Tag: 7ws

7Ws Exploring the Winding Roads of Wales: Training Weekend

Posted on | by Salli Griffith

Wales, with its rugged landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and winding roads, is a paradise for motorcyclists seeking an adventure of a lifetime. But what makes a
motorcycle trip to Wales even more thrilling is combining it with advanced training to sharpen your skills and enhance your riding experience. On this trip, we enjoyed a journey through the heart of Wales, exploring its picturesque landscapes and the advanced motorcycle training opportunities it offers.

Wales, one of the countries that make up the United Kingdom, is a hidden gem for motorcycle enthusiasts. Its diverse topography provides an incredible backdrop for riders, with rolling hills, dense forests, and breath-taking mountains serving as the perfect canvas for a memorable journey. The coastal roads, offer some of the most scenic routes, while the mountainous terrain provides challenges that can test the skills of even the most experienced riders.

Advanced Motorcycle Training

I feel that it’s crucial to invest in advanced motorcycle training to improve both your enjoyment and the safety for you and other road users. TVAM Advanced training can enhance your riding skills, making you a safer and more confident rider. Taking your riding skills to the next level.

  • Enhanced Safety: Advanced training hones your hazard perception, braking, and cornering skills, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents on unfamiliar roads.
  • Improved Confidence: Gaining expertise in advanced riding techniques increases your confidence when navigating challenging terrains.
  • Better Control: Advanced training focuses on fine-tuning your control over the motorcycle, making you a more capable rider in various conditions.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Advanced riding techniques often result in improved fuel efficiency, allowing you to go further on your journey.
  • Quickness: It’s not always about the speed, but your line, what you see and the information taken in and used. IPSGA – this system will change biking for you!


Now that you’ve sharpened your skills through advanced training as an Associate, it’s time to hit the open road in Wales. Here are some must-
visit destinations for motorcyclists:

  • Brecon Beacons: The Brecon Beacons National park offers some of the most thrilling riding experiences in Wales. Its winding mountain roads, steep ascents, and breathtaking vistas make it a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts.
  • Snowdonia and Bala: This stunning part of North Wales provides a mix of challenging mountain roads and serene coastal routes. The journey through Snowdonia is an unforgettable experience.
  • Elan Valley: A hidden gem in Wales, the Elan Valley is an oasis of tranquillity with pristine lakes and peaceful roads surrounded by rolling hills.

So did I benefit from the trip? Oh hell yes!

My experience was one of self-discovery, learning about my limits and stretching them by enhancing my skills, humbling myself before some of the most gorgeous winding roads I have ever experienced. I not only had a great time, but I managed to make a lot of new like-minded friends with similar hobbies and interests, we had some great laughs and learned a whole lot at the same time!

I need to make a few special mentions.. firstly Simon, thank you for organising and making sure that none of us got too hopelessly lost by partnering us up with TObs and Observers. To the people I had the pleasure of riding with, Tom, Andrew and Conrad, with a wealth of knowledge and skills I definitely came home a more competent and more confident rider. With my test booked, I am certain that I am ready to become one of TVAMs next advanced riders!

In conclusion, this trip to Wales offers the perfect blend of skill enhancement and adventure. With TVAM advanced training under your belt, you can confidently explore the picturesque landscapes and challenging terrains that Wales has to offer. Whether you’re navigating mountain passes, winding coastal roads, or off-road trails, this experience promises to be a memorable chapter in your motorcycling journey. So, rev up your engines, gear up, and embark on a thrilling adventure in the heart of Wales.

I am ready for next year! My advice.. book early, it’s well worth it!

Troy Rahme, TVAM Associate

    A few messages from other members who attended…

    Jim…

    I broke down at Crossgates. The bike wouldn’t start and looked like the battery just died. Anyway, my colleagues Martin Cragg and Malcom stayed with me, and Chris Brownlee came along to assist, we got the bike running on jump leads but it wouldn’t run off the leads.

    There was a snag on the breakdown recovery meaning I couldn’t arrange anything at 6pm that night, and so after trying to use Chris’ battery (yes, he took the battery off his bike to try on mine), he then knocked on a random local’s door who kindly allowed us to hide my bike in their back garden overnight. Chris then pillioned me to the hotel.

    I got recovered the next day, but would like to thank everyone who was incredibly supportive and patient with me in my predicament. It’s another one of the many great reasons to ride with this club, and I can’t thank them enough.

    Sidenote: If you have a “6 Wheel” or multiple vehicle breakdown policy, check that they’re all on record for the breakdown operators to see.

    Moon…

    I renewed my TVAM membership after it had lapsed in 2017 because I believed I had hit a skill level plateau and was eager to enhance my riding abilities further. After spending the weekend riding with Sid, Gary (GSZ), and Sigurður, I received invaluable constructive feedback. Each of the three rides was distinctive and enjoyable, and I learned a great deal from each
    experience. I even proactively sought more critical feedback, which was delivered in a highly professional manner, and I found it extremely beneficial. I firmly believe that it’s the critical feedback that sets you apart and helps you shine above the rest.

    The 7Ws event was not just a fun weekend away; it also provided me with a substantial amount of homework to work on, which I am genuinely excited about. I’m eagerly looking forward to future training sessions and social ride outs, with the hope that they will help me enhance my skills to the level where I can be considered a Trainee Observer.

    Danny…

    Overall an superb trip where I got to meet some fantastic like-minded people riding through some amazing roads.

    As an Associate I can definitely see the point of IPSGA because around Reading I can’t experience the same type of bends and open roads.

    Andy…

    The Elan Valley dam was much higher than last year with a huge volume of overflow. We were fortunate with no major breakdowns and our Observers did a good job of making use of lots of rest stops to keep the fatigue levels down.

    Andrew…

    Yes. The standard of riding was good and improved over the weekend as Associates and Green Badge holders took on board advice from the Observers.
    From an Observer’s point of view it’s always good to see such a step up in progress and I would recommend it to all.

    Salli Griffith

    First published in Slipstream November / December 2023

    AND IT’S OFF TO WALES WE GO!

    Posted on | by Salli Griffith

    7Ws through the eyes of some participants

    An Observer – Carl Flint

    I could not help overhearing a conversation at a recent St Crispins, between a group of long serving Observers about the forthcoming 7Ws. One mentioned that the fun had left the club with all the emphasis on training and less on social rides and asked what is the point of having a training session so far away in Wales? I thought that sounds bonkers, we all know that Wales has wonderful roads, perfect for training and it is great fun.

    Take an Associate called Phil for example. Phil aka Barnes Wallace, because Phil had his top box come off on several occasions on his way over to Llandrindod! How it missed the other bikers in the group and how they managed to find it each time, remains a bit of a mystery! Anyway, on Saturday I was assessing Dave Brooks, Trainee Observer and Dave was observing Phil. We were both delighted that Phil was not bringing his top box! Dave asked Phil what he would like to focus on during the day and Phil said positioning and bends. Dave mentioned he had some very good roads in mind that would give Phil plenty of opportunity to develop his skills. So, did I see Phil have fun during his training? You bet he did, with Dave’s very good demonstration of lines to take and the roads with long sweeping bends, it was perfect for Phil and the improvement we saw in the consistency of his riding during the afternoon was a big step forward.

    On the way to Llandrindod on Friday, I was observing Graham Emerson and I bumped into him at the bar on Saturday evening after he had been out doing his ride. He had a grin on him as wide as the Cheshire Cat. I asked him how his day was, knowing full well he had really enjoyed himself and had lots of fun.

    The notion that the Starburst system (a trio of an Observer with two Associates or Trainee Observer and Associate) excludes fun for the Associate is just bonkers. It is harder work for the Observer or Trainee Observer. They need to have routes that allow the Associate to work on the areas that were raised in the opening discussion. But that is soon forgotten when we all get out there and have the privilege and fun of riding the wonderful roads in mid Wales.

    Where did you say they’d got to? (Photo Syvester de Koster)

    A Trainee Observer – Mark Powell

    When I last attended 7Ws in September 2022, I was a PTOb, a provisional Trainee Observer. By this 7Ws I had progressed to being a TOb. This meant I could take a much more active role in the weekend on my journey to becoming a fully qualified Observer. For the trip to Wales I was allocated Kevin Dunwell as my Observer.  He shared his route up to Wales with me in advance and I loaded it into both my BMW connect and my Garmin XT.  Kevin also loaded it into his Garmin XT. At the start point I gave the run briefing to Sylvester, our Associate for the day and off we went. It became clear within the first 30 miles that the three sat navs were not in complete agreement and I added a loop that Kevin was not expecting! But all rides are a voyage of discovery and despite some rain on the way we had a good ride up.  Kevin provided me with some valuable feedback on my observing skills.

    Friday night, a few beers, a good meal and introductions to riding partners for the Saturday. Andy McWalter was my Observer coach for the day and we discussed different approaches to route planning. That is code for I was supposed to have prepared a route for the Saturday but had not realised that, so Andy and I worked out a circular route with options. We also spoke with Ed, our Associate for Saturday to find out what he wanted to work on and planned accordingly.

    Saturday morning, thick fog!  After a hearty breakfast I went through the ride brief with Ed and off we went.  Mid-morning coffee and snacks, the sun came out, some great roads, stopped for lunch.  In the car park over lunch, Andy’s back tyre decided to let all the air escape and it was as flat as a flat tyre can be!  I knew the theory but had never had to fix a puncture before. The three of us worked together to find the leak (not so easy with a completely flat tyre), sticky string in the hole, pump tyre up and away we go.  Learning point for me is that without putting air in the tyre we would never have found the leak.  I carry 4 CO2 canisters. Would that be enough to put air in, find the leak, and then have enough to inflate a GS back tyre to a riding pressure? Andy carries a small compressor so not a problem there.  We felt we needed a reward so rode to Aberystwyth for ice creams on the sea front.   Then back to the hotel. Andy gave me some useful tips on observing during the day and a good debrief after. Gentle run back on Sunday. 

    A quick thank you from me to Simon and Si from the Training team who did all the on-site management and the rest of the training team that organised it. And to all the Observers who gave their time to help us TObs and Associates to develop our skills. Much appreciated.

    A Provisional Trainee Observer – Richard Lawson

    Getting ready for the off on a foggy Saturday morning (Photo Sylvester de Koster)
    Repairing the puncture (Photo Mark Powell)

    I just wanted to offer my own feedback to the 7Ws weekend from 21st to 23rd April, which was, in short, a fantastic three days of motorcycling.

    I attended as a pTOb, so my principal role was to shadow the Observers and the Associates I was grouped with for the Friday and Saturday rides. I always get a lot from shadowing and the combination of learning from highly skilled TVAM Observers, watching keen Associates develop and experience some of the very best roads in the UK, made it an excellent weekend for me.

    The emphasis of enjoying the rides was constantly reinforced by everyone in the training team and the vibes I got from the weekend were really positive and relaxed. I enjoyed great company, made new friends, experienced awesome scenery and rode some really beautiful Welsh roads.

    I’d like to thank Observers Dave Parker and Michael Hattey again for having me along on their Observer Rides, and for kindly asking for my own feedback with the Associates, as this made me feel valued and kept me on my toes.

    I wish Associates; Dave & Danny, the very best with their cross-checks and tests – you guys are both very competent riders and, I’m certain, even more polished after this weekend. I’ll definitely go back and do another 7Ws, and maybe I’ll be an Observer myself by then! 

    An Associate – Graham Emerson

    It was the first time I had attended the 7Ws and I was a little anxious on what would be expected and how limited the riding under training may have been. How my worries were so ridiculous goes like this. I met Carl and Dave on arrival at the wandering kitchen and into debrief/chat about what IPSGA and system means to us and a quick chat about our ride to the first heading. We geared up and headed off taking it in rotation for being observed then a coffee and chat with some useful pointers and off again to catch some very thick fog and a line of traffic as we got round some tree felling.

    As we moved on, the roads became more engaging with some overtaking opportunities followed by lunch at a lovely garden centre that knocked out a very nice omelette and again debrief with pointers. Some weather caught us just as we stopped for tea, but I couldn’t believe another hour and a bit had passed – I was enjoying the roads so much as the rolling countryside passed by. Now Dave up front being observed by Carl on a fantastic road with a lovely combination of sweeping bends and tighter turns yielded more progressive riding and we had also left the drizzle behind. A fantastic ride capped the day as the rain caught us as we filled up just around the corner from the hotel. Day 1 was good. Dave grinned at me, “Just wait for tomorrow it gets even better…..”

    So a couple of beers, dinner and met Paul and Tom for Saturday’s ride. A chat and a debrief and at 8.30am the fog was thicker than grandma’s vegetable soup, so a short bumble down the road to a coffee stop for an hour ‘talking bollocks’ a.k.a., bikes, sports, work, women, not all in that order. Now the skies had cleared and up the hill to some of the funnest roads one could wish for, with Tom who was training to be an Observer watching me, being watched by Paul, who saw everything we both did. Lots of pointers and feedback on better road positions led to better entry everywhere and overtaking became easier and the riding seemed very progressive and very quickly the fun factor was in full effect, which whilst learning is a hell of a thing to achieve. A fantastic spot at Aberporth for lunch, more riding, more great roads getting better and more progressive as we went down to Aberystwyth for ice cream and the piece de la resistance.

    The ride back. Putting into practice what we had learned with the Observer now leading followed by Observer in training with me picking up a great demonstration of how it’s done. Progressive and now the ‘funometer’ in the red zone as we rode through Wales in an afternoon which I shall long remember. As we arrived back Carl caught me grinning like a Cheshire Cat, and asked me to pen my thoughts in a paragraph. So there we go, I’m afraid too much fun for just one paragraph.

    Fun in Aberystwyth (Photo Mark Powell)

    First published in Slipstream May 2023

    7Ws – The Autumn One

    Posted on | by Salli Griffith

    A few tales from those that attended our Associate training weekend

    I joined TVAM in November ‘21 and started working towards my IAM test. I heard about 7Ws but was unable to make the one in the spring. Everyone said it was a great experience so I was determined to make the next trip. As soon as the date was announced I put my name down and hoped to be selected. While I was waiting to hear I took and passed my IAM test. I also took the decision to start the journey to become an Observer. That means I currently have the status of a PTOB. A TOB is a Trainee Observer who wears a Yellow badge and is working towards full Observers qualification. A PTOB is what you are referred to until you have completed all of the qualification elements of the Trainee Observer Programme and have had your first assessment.

    So, what is 7Ws? It is a weekend of riding through the wonderful roads of Wales in the company of like-minded souls. It is a training weekend, and the focus is on encouraging, supporting and coaching all the Associates that attend. It is also a chance to chat about all things bike, compare machines, gear and enjoy lots of friendly banter.

    7ws wales

    As it was my first 7Ws and I was neither Associate nor Observer, I was there to shadow the Observers and learn how they work with their Associates. Some Observers have been doing this for many years and others only recently, so I was able to see the different approaches they took with their Associates and learn from that. I assumed the coaching of the Associates would be structured a bit like a St Crispin’s run, however it is a lot more informal that that. I did not see one ride report form or copy of the Highway Code for the whole weekend. I did see a lot of discussions at the side of the road and in coffee shops about lines through bends, overtaking, bike machinery and a whole range of other topics. Associates were encouraged to ask questions at all times and I was involved in a great conversation on the way to Wales where the Associate had watched the Observer and myself execute overtakes in a certain way and wanted to know why we did what we did.

    Waterproof clothing was also a topic of conversation as the run up was wet wet wet! There was also some discussion about touring on motorcycles and how to prepare for that. I clocked well over 500 miles over the three days with 220 on the Saturday. One Associate I spoke to had never ridden more than 40 miles in one ride, so the weekend provides a good taster of what it’s like to go touring on a motorcycle and that in itself is a learning experience.

    Left: Chris will observe anyone willing to listen!

    The Training Team who organise the weekend put a lot of effort into grouping Associates so that those with similar experience end up together on the various rides and their Observers are aware and can prepare their rides accordingly. There was an Observer meeting each evening to check in on how the Associates (and everyone else) were doing and discuss the next day.

    I’d like to say a big thank you to all the Training Team, for putting this together and handling all the behind-the-scenes work, and to all the Observers who supported the Associates over the weekend, allowed me to shadow them and answered my questions about their Observer approach. For me personally the next step is to drop the “P” and work towards full Observer status in time for the next 7Ws in 2023.

    Mark Powell – PTob

    So this is a viewpoint of the Oct 22 7Ws weekend from an Associate and is written with new Associates in mind who have not yet had the chance to experience a 7Ws training weekend, may be unsure or thinking it would be too overwhelming.

    Fundamentally 7Ws is a focused training weekend for Associates and that is exactly what it felt like. It comes with the added benefits of additional social aspects, such as food, wine, beer and the company of other members and of course riding what are the best roads I have ridden to date, considering my limited years of riding.

    So why 7Ws? Well we’ve all done our observed rides which, more often than not, are usually limited to just a few hours and sometimes having to share an Observer with another Associate. Although this does allow time for Observers to pick up on your riding and give you things to go away and work on, you only get very limited time to put into practice the items discussed whilst being observed on that ride. 7Ws fixes that, from my perspective, as quite simply you can spend whole days in the seat, have the benefit of lovely winding Welsh roads and it gives you the time to really put the guidance into practice, whilst still under close observation. There is plenty of time for stops and lunch and being paired off with another Associate you can take time to discuss items in more detail, build on your skills throughout the day as well as having the chance to see your paired Associate develop theirs.

    The format is well thought out in typical TVAM style and really puts the Associate at the heart of it all. A few days before the trip your allocated Observer for the Friday contacts you to discuss the weekend. Key items such as what you want to get out of the ride, what to expect, how far you can or have ridden in one day, etc. I have to say that at all times you really got a sense of this trip being for the Associate. I have no doubt the Observers do enjoy their weekend immensely, but the focus is the Associate under training.

    It is an early start on the Friday to get to the Wandering Café for breakfast and coffee (well recommended) for the initial briefings. Riding with myself, and my Observer, to Wales was PTob (Prospective Trainee Observer) Tom. The journeys to Wales are all done as starburst rides, meaning that although some groups took similar routes you weren’t all riding the same roads as a group and this method worked really well for me and others I spoke to.

    A certain TVAM Chairman was unfortunate enough to be lumbered with me for the ride to Wales, which really marked the start of the training. From the point you leave to the point of arriving in Wales you are either being observed or observing their riding. To be fair it’s quite a distance but having already been asked about my comfortable distances this wasn’t a problem, with plenty of stops and a nice lunch on route. Each stop gave us time to discuss the riding and most importantly plenty of time in between to practice. So, if you are concerned about distance on your bike please don’t be put off by this trip and make sure to let your Observer know what you are comfortable with.

    When it comes to roads, Wales did not disappoint, with plenty of chance to practice those skills and often with very little traffic. One small stop was made about 23 miles from our final destination, primarily to inform me that I was about to ride on one of the best roads in the UK, this being the A483 Newtown to Crossgates in Llandrindod Wells. A dream of a road, it was flat, fast, wide, winding and really did give you the chance to put into practice what you had picked up during the day – it’s almost as if it was built just for the 7Ws! I can even confess to doing it in the dark on the Saturday night, though technically that wasn’t in the overall plan and the less said the better on that!

    Come the Friday night I have never been so grateful for a warm room, shower and a beer, and the Metropole in Llandrindod Wells was a very welcome sight. With an area set aside for our bikes, which soon filled up, all was very smooth at check in.

    Dinner was held in a private room for our group and it was a great chance to catch up with other members and share “war stories” of the days travel. The food was simple but tasty and I certainly had no complaints. More importantly beer seemed reasonably priced! Post dinner we had a talk from Shaun Westlake, an ex-Police rider and long-time friend of TVAM, who was both informative and exceedingly amusing at the same time, I’m sure he does the voices for Fireman Sam!

    That evening we all received our Observer allocations for the Saturday and I was lucky enough to be paired with Andy Hunter, although he may have thought differently! The location of the bar seemed very convenient to speak with him and plan timings for the morning without any concerns or pressure, other than who gets the next round!

    The Saturday started with a good breakfast, which I recommend making full use of during the stay. You certainly won’t go hungry on a 7Ws weekend. The benefit of the 2nd day allows you to be paired with another Observer and effectively start afresh but once again having a day on the roads allowing you to build on other items that still need some work. My fellow associate Taira needed a new headlight bulb so a swift stop at a garage and simple twist and fit (thank God it was a Honda) saw her back up and ready prior to our departure. This proved a good move as that light was needed much later in the day as our trip back was somewhat in the “dark”. I’ve mentioned that twice now, haven’t I? ‘Nuff said.

    Once again, some stunning riding and fantastic scenery, the route Andy had planned was superb. A mix of roads which took in the stunning views across the Vale of Rheidol down towards Aberystwyth and then around to Barmouth for lunch which is such a picturesque stop. There was one small down hill “donkey track” which funnily enough did end up next to a field of donkeys. They all seemed to be named after Disney characters or fizzy drinks.

    Dinner on the Saturday was once again in a private room and then, all too soon, it was time to think about the return trip on the Sunday and once again certain individuals had carefully planned and offered to lead social rides back to different return points. My chosen route returned to St. Crispin’s, so a big thanks to Simon Whatley and Iain Gaitley for leading and back marking a good ride home, though I have to say this was probably the wettest of all 3 days. Wales certainly has an allure with some of the nation’s most stunning scenery and roads. It was my first time riding there and I can see why it has such an appeal and, considering it isn’t that far from the Thames Valley, I’ll be back.

    I have never been the best reporter or travel blogger, so apologies, but if you’ve got this far, well done. What I will say is that if you are working towards your green badge or are new to TVAM and have not had chance to go on 7Ws, in my humble opinion this training weekend is a must do. If not for the training and experience at least for the social.

    A huge thanks really has to go to the organisers Andy Wedge and his team. Thanks to Barrie and Andy for observing and all the other Observers, TObs and PtObs who gave up their time to help us Associates become better riders. Yes Ian, I’ll work on those left hand bends more! 

    James Jarvis – Associate

    The first thing to say is what a fantastic weekend spent with a very friendly group of people. I have never gone away for a weekend on a motorbike before, I was both excited and nervous. Many thanks to Gill for coming and talking to me at The Wandering Kitchen before we set off, I think I looked a wee bit worried.

    Being teamed up with an Associate of similar ability to me on the ride up to Wales was perfect. Funnily enough we both have the same Observer. Unfortunately, Andy our Observer for that day got a puncture which was a pain for him but a great learning experience for both of us to watch him repair it.

    The first evening after a delicious 3-course meal and an entertaining talk, we were introduced to our second Observer of the weekend. So early on Saturday morning we set off for another day’s ride and it stayed dry… until we headed back to the hotel then the heavens opened, but it didn’t dampen my enthusiasm. I was given some very good feedback to improve my riding during the day and the scenery was amazing; interspersed with some enjoyable cake stops.

    We weren’t left to make our own way back home on the Sunday, although a few people chose to do that. There were groups heading home via different locations. I joined the group led by Si that headed straight back to The Wandering Kitchen.

    Thank you very much to everyone for organising the weekend and to the Observers who gave up their time to impart their expert knowledge to us. I didn’t stop smiling for a long while after returning home, and will continue to grin every time I think about that weekend! 

    Jenny Cooksley – Associate

    Observer Hev Smith is still smiling!

    7Ws From Three Perspectives

    Posted on | by Salli Griffith

    The Associate – by Joey Buttfield

    It’s Friday 8th April and the 8am breakfast rendezvous point is The Wandering Kitchen Cafe near Berinsfield. My Observer for the day is Hev, who discusses with me the areas I want to improve on over the weekend and introduces me to my co Associate Ilhan. I was expecting a larger group, so delighted with the 2 to 1 ratio.

    As I hadn’t ridden with Hev before she asked me to lead off as all the groups dispersed on multiple routes to Llandrindod Wells.

    All communication is done via the mirrors, supplemented by arm signals, so all very clear and timely. I especially enjoyed the frequent stops to discuss aspects to work on and also how Hev would demonstrate techniques and elements of the system I was struggling with.

    Ludlow Farm Shop, Bromfield was our lunch stop and the rendezvous point for the social ride to our destination, via some awesome roads led by Barrie. This really helped me to practice and reinforce the techniques I was shown by my Observer Hev.

    An awesome day was rounded off by a swim in the hotel pool and a great dinner. I must also mention the after-dinner presentation from Sean Westlake which seriously awakened me to many facets of riding I was hitherto blissfully unaware of, and his colourful Welsh banter!

    On Saturday I was paired up with my Observer Barrie and trainee Observer Aaron. I especially liked this format as from my perspective I had the benefit of two instructors! And what a day, just awesome on every level. I loved the challenging routes and the way both parties instructed, as well as the feedback given.

    After a leisurely Sunday breakfast, I had to make a difficult choice on which Observer led run home to take with a choice of three no less.

    A big shout out to Barrie, Hev and fellow Associates who got me back to Oxfordshire via some stunning roads.

    I am now a much-improved rider, but importantly understand my journey is just beginning. Get yourself booked on this awesome learning curve that is the 7Ws. Thank you all so much.

    The Full Member – by JB Staunton

    Having recently passed my motorbike test and bought my first bike (a Honda CBR650F), I joined TVAM in October 2019, and although I didn’t get much riding in before the first lockdown, I had oft heard members tell me in hushed tones that the 7Ws trip as something “you had to do”.

    I’d swear, that without exception, everyone who uttered the phrase “7Ws” said it with a wistful smile and glazed eyes – you could tell they were thinking back to some awesome riding on the twisty and windy roads of Wales. I knew from the get-go that I wanted a piece of the action too!

    Although I knew the trip is focused on Associates, I applied for a place on the trip in January, knowing I’d just passed my advanced test in December ‘21 – I didn’t know if I’d get a place, but as my wife says “What do 100% of winners have in common? They try!” In this case I tried and succeeded.

    This would be my first trip away on the bike and honestly, I was a little anxious of what to expect. I googled a few articles on “what to pack on a motorbike trip”, and, oh yeah, I also had to google “how to attach soft panniers to your motorbike”; luckily, I picked up a set at the St Crispin’s moto-jumble in January 2020 (they were a bargain!).

    Despite Alan’s Sat Nav being a bit temperamental, and Rhona nearly running out of fuel, we had a great run down on the backroads of England and Wales. However, has anyone mentioned the rain, hail and snow, yes snow! Well, it wouldn’t be a good trip without a story or two, would it?

    On the final leg to Llandrindod Wells, we had to climb over some hills and I wasn’t worried when it started to rain – it’s Wales in April right and what do you expect? However, I’d never ridden in hail before and was a tad nervous of this when it started, but it really wasn’t an issue as the hail just bounced off our helmets and clothing. The snow was a different story as it was that claggy and wet kind of snow that sticks to you, resulting in having to wipe your visor every 30 seconds or so (which was reminiscent of my advanced test). In all, the bad weather only lasted for a maximum of an hour, over the course of the weekend I hasten to add, but I was glad to get to the hotel in the end and I have some good stories to tell!

    If you’ve not been on one of these trips before I would highly recommend it and I’d like to commend the organisers on how well things ran. It was an early start on day one, but along with a filling breakfast bap at our breakfast rendezvous point, I met the rest of my group for the trip to Wales – there were only half a dozen of us in total: Run leader Alan Heighway, back marker Marianne Myburgh as well as fellow TVAM members Konrad Marciniak, Neville Till and Rhona Ferry.

    Saturday was a great day of riding too and our group was lucky enough to be paired up with ex-motorbike police officer, tour guide and 7Ws event guest speaker, Sean Westlake. Unfortunately for me the day started slightly embarrassingly insofar as my battery had died overnight due to the previous owner of my bike wiring the heated grips directly to the battery, and me forgetting to turn them off after our “Arctic” experience the afternoon before. I appreciate a number of fellow riders help in trying to bump start me (Konrad you star) as well as Neville letting me use his jump start battery (birthday/Christmas gift idea anyone?) and an unnamed member lending us his mini-jump leads!

    In the end we got going 15 minutes late and not only did Sean bring us on a very scenic 150-mile route, he was able to give us the history of the places we visited too!

    By the way the hotel worked very well for the group, with ample parking, a private dining room for us for both evening meals, decent food and a large bar, which was unsurprisingly frequented by TVAM members.

    In summary it was a well-run event, which was great fun and certainly one I’d endorse. I’ll be aiming to attend another TVAM group trip as well as make it over to Wales again…oh those roads…..

    The Observer – by Andy Hunter

    Having completed my pre-ride checks in the afternoon, I packed and loaded my bike the evening before we set out.

    So, Friday morning I was up and out early for my 45-minute ride to the meet point, arriving 10 minutes early to find the place already open and serving food. The coffee and bacon sandwich were spot on, perfect, just what I needed.

    Top marks to the management and staff at The Wandering Cafe, they did a superb job of looking after us. Well done and thank you.

    We had been previously allocated two Associates for the ride up, so having met both Sam and Ondrez, I started to understand what each was looking for on their observed ride into Wales. One had passed his crosscheck, the other of a very similar standard. From the Observer’s viewpoint it is very much easier if the Associates are of a similar standard, as it makes the route planning easier.

    So shortly after 9am we headed out towards Abingdon, then on towards Burford to find the first planned coffee and chat stop, allowing a chance to swap the Associates over. A power cut derailed those plans and meant they were unable to serve anything as it had rendered their till out of action. We decided to continue towards Stow-on-the-Wold, then stopped for a slightly belated coffee as we entered Tewkesbury.

    We discussed a few minor points for both Associates before getting back on our way, heading towards Leominster and picking up the A44.

    As we were running well for time, we continued towards Hereford and found a golf club for lunch – ideal for the snack that we needed.

    The weather was a mix of cloud with the sun breaking through, but as we approached Crossgates we experienced a 5-minute sleet storm. In fairness this was the only rain that I saw all weekend, so I still don’t know if my new waterproof gloves are any good or not!

    We refuelled at Crossgates and, as we had arrived with time to spare, rode from Crossgates to Newtown and back. That rounded off an excellent day’s riding and we headed to the Metropole hotel, our accommodation for the two nights. Having used the Metropole many times, over the years, I knew that we were in for great hospitality and we were not disappointed.

    Saturday morning, we were again allocated two Associates who were different from the Friday allocation. Again, I was blessed that both rode to a similar standard and they agreed that they wanted to work on riding bends. We headed south and west giving both Associates the chance to lead for a time before stopping for coffee at the West End Cafe in Llandovery. A true bikers’ cafe.

    After coffee and a chat, we headed out towards Aberystwyth where we found the ‘Diner on the Prom’ to be very busy. We continued to find somewhere a little quieter for a slightly later lunch.

    Returning to the hotel, from Newtown to Crossgates, we refuelled ready for the Sunday ride home.

    Sunday was entirely a social ride. Having offered to lead a ride towards Henley, and getting a little banter from Mr Brownlee, it was agreed that anybody that wanted to take my route would meet at 9.30am for a briefing in the car park before heading out.

    The run back was pretty much a re-run of my outward route, with myself, two Full Members, one other Observer and one Associate. It was all very relaxed, giving the Associate a chance to practice what he had learnt during Saturday’s session.

    More top-quality riding skills were on display, stopping for a sandwich and drink at the filling station at Stow-on-the-Wold. We had agreed at the briefing that people would simply give us a wave and peel off at a point close to where they lived. Checking on my phone messages, it was good to see that everybody returned home happy.

    Overall, this was a great weekend. It was a chance to meet and chat with old friends, introduce some Associates to the roads in Wales and reacquaint myself with a couple of great roads I have not used for some time.

    Firstly, the Tewkesbury road out of Stow-on-the-Wold and then the A44 heading west into Crossgates.

    I have no doubt that all of the Associates returned home with new or improved riding skills. We must not forget the importance of the team building benefits of these events.

    Thanks to the Training Team and all that were involved in planning and running this event.

    7Ws #40 – We Finally Made It! (Gallery)

    Posted on | by Salli Griffith

    …and what a weekend it was.

    Starburst Ride Saturday

    Associates – Brian Walmsley & Pierre Louw

    Observers – Chris Brownlee & Si Rawlins

    Distance – A shade under 200 miles

    Time – 9.10 am – 5.30pm

    The run was initially planned with Chris as the solo Observer, but we had the bonus of an extra Observer, the one and only Si Rawlins, so the Associate at the back of the trio (who usually gets a bit of a break from being observed) was still observed during the day… eeek… no pressure!

    We headed east away from Llandrindod Wells in the direction of Llanfihangel-nant-Melan, then south towards Llanelwedd and on to Bronllys, through the town of Brecon (no Beacons, unfortunately), we then headed north through Llandefaelog Fach, Capel Dyffryn Honddu to a view-point over the valley. The view would have been lovely, but we were pretty high up and partly in the clouds. We then had a little coffee stop in Llanwrtyd Wells and a chat about the positioning and Safety, Stability & View. Back on the bikes and headed south west towards Llanwrda, north west towards Cwmann and then north east via Llanddewi-Brefi (made famous in Little Britain as it was the home of Daffyd Thomas – the only gay in the village), through Pontrhydfendigaid towards Devils Bridge, followed by a lunch stop at The Red Kite Cafe. After lunch, we headed back along the A44 through Eisteddfa Gurig, Tyn-y-cwm and picked up the A470 in Llangurig and headed north towards the Clywedog Reservoir and beyond along the B4518 with a couple of really steep hills to a viewpoint looking at Snowdonia (a bit cloudy in the distance, but still breathtaking). A coffee shop stop in Llanidloes for a bit of a rest before heading back to the hotel.

    So what did I get from this ride?

    • Invaluable feedback from Chris & Si throughout the day. Thank you guys, it really was a fantastic day
    • The Welsh roads were glorious, smooth and had very little traffic
    • Wales uses far too many consonants and too few vowels (great for Scrabble)
    • I’m glad we didn’t go to Anglesey as Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch would be a sod to put in the sat nav

    If you see the next 7Ws trip advertised…

    GET YOUR NAME ON THE LIST. You will NOT regret it.

     Brian Walmsley

    “My cornering has improved. Met some lovely new people, and managed to find enough fuel to get home.”
    Steve Gilmour
    “I wanted to start by thanking everyone who was involved in the planning and execution of the 7Ws for making it such a success. I had a great time, learned a lot, and judging by the number of smiles on display, so did everyone else. I didn’t get a chance to thank Sean for his excellent talk on safety and gear usage on Friday, but it left me with a Welsh baritone inner monologue for the rest of the weekend which I’m convinced made me a smoother rider!”
    Tom Peck
    “Big thanks to everybody for a magical weekend.”
    Graham Boret
    “HUGE thanks to Ness, Andy and the team for organising another fantastic 7Ws. We are so grateful for all the long hours that you put into making the weekend go so smoothly. Also thanks to the Observers, TObs, Run Leaders and Back Markers who gave their time to make it even more enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next one!”
    Rhona & Danny Ferry
    “The 7Ws was enjoyable in so many ways, but made all the more special by sharing a Starburst with Ilhan Oner (Associate) & Dave Parsons (Observer). We had a fantastic ride and seeing Ilhan improve and gain confidence as the day progressed was so satisfying for all of us. He then went on to win the wooden spoon for the most improved rider!”
    Jeremy Davies (TOb)

    Thanks to all the photographers who sent in pics. We would need a few issues to show them all but I have tried to include at least one or two from each of them. Thank you especially to Tom Peck, appointed official 7Ws photographer for capturing so much over the weekend.

    Robin Crane, Dave Parsons, Graham Boret, Tom Peck, Kathy Wright, Jo Gunton, Gaz, Andy Smith, Carl Flint, Simon Mack, Louise Dickinson

    Who wants to Wander the Wobbly Windies of Wild West Wales?

    Posted on | by Salli Griffith

    and how about adding the wet!

    First Time Run Leader – Mark Melbourne

    The email arrived announcing the 39th 7Ws, and it was a welcome distraction. Now for the form. The usual stuff, but then questions about run leader and back marking. The simplest solution was just to leave the boxes unticked, but maybe I could go on the course and try back marking, or really push the boat out and do the run leaders course. Why not? I ticked the box.

    Weeks pass and September draws even closer, and emails arrive confirm my attendance. Job done, 7Ws booked and paid. A few days pass and I receive an email from Ness. Dear Mark, are you able to take a run from Oxford to the Hotel? I was in the home office staring at the email, pondering on the implications, assessing the request that had just been made. I will think, and decline.

    Again a few days passed and the mobile rang. I didn’t know the number, but answered. “Hi Mark, it’s Ness from TVAM.” Five minutes later I was a run leader. I’m still unclear how that happened! I won’t go through the detail of planning, app checking, route checking and google street view virtual trip clicking, but I was concerned.

    Finally, the big day had arrived, the 39th 7Ws. The pre-ride briefing was given, and I sat wondering what I’d signed up for. I was issued with double white armbands. I was looking official and it went to my head a bit. There were 30 minutes to go, and we were the last group to leave. Just to add to the tension, we were apparently waiting for a pinlock visor to arrive. With 10 minutes to go, I scrambled around making sure route app was working – all dressed and ready to go.

    Outside in the car park, as the ‘orange’ run leader it was my turn to speak. Are you all happy? Good to go. I couldn’t say much more, as my briefing notes were on the kitchen table 22 miles away. Fortunately, Ness stepped in and filled in the numerous blanks. All that was left was for me to put on my helmet and get on my bike – which was parked in the ‘pink’ run bay. I put this down to early nerves when parking.

    I felt like a flight leader preparing for take-off, seeing the bikes forming up behind me ready for the off.  Lights on, all pointing in my direction all waiting for me to set off. I did so, praying that the navigation app would perform, and it did. Not the usual Garmin or TomTom but a little known app called Kurviger. She started talking to me. “Take the 3rd junction.” A quick glance in the mirror confirmed that I was being followed. Great it’s all working. Now for my very first marker, look, aim and point. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed they had stopped safely.

    After a solid 4 minutes and 30 seconds it all looked like it was going to plan; taking the bends, riding smoothly, all good. Then, why am I on the A420? I should have taken the left fork. No one will notice if I just pop down, go around and come back up. It worked a treat, and I was back on track. (Proofers note: To her great amusement the backmarker spotted the run leader on the opposite side of the dual carriageway, heading back in the direction from which we had just come.)

    From here on, the journey was almost flawless, with only minor hiccups. My biggest worry seemed to be losing everyone for a few miles. Where have they all gone? I wasn’t going that quickly, surely. But coffee breaks and lunch soon solved that issue.

    The roads got better and better, and I shouted “#@$! Yeah” after a particularly exhilarating and progressive ride through the glorious Welsh countryside. Arriving at the hotel some hours later, much to my relief it seems that I had only lost two: one over-enthusiastic rider who overtook me, and one that didn’t turn in to the hotel. To these two poor lost souls, I am sorry.

    It was a nerve-racking adventure, and my first attempt at being a run leader. It completely knackered me, as the levels of concentration involved were more than anticipated. It wasn’t just riding, it was the planning for the safety and directions for the group, the riding and in the wet. I really don’t like riding in the wet.

    I had dinner and some drinks, and hit the sack. Would I do it again? Absolutely! It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and the feedback I received was overwhelming.  However, with all these things I couldn’t have done it without a fantastic backmarker (big shout out for Kathy Drogemuller) and all the team between us. Without them it could have all gone wrong, so even if I was in the front, it was a team effort. Thanks to everyone on making my first run a success. Of course, a final thank you to Ness who talked me into it and supplied all the help and support I needed.

    Second time attendee

    Rhona Ferry

    It was September 2018 that I attended my first 7Ws, and my first trip with TVAM. I had been full of anxiety, as I didn’t know what to expect and at that time didn’t really know many people. Those fears were soon squashed that weekend and, feeling that I had to spread the word on how great 7Ws is, I wrote about my experience for Slipstream.

    Fast forward 12 months and I was counting the days until I headed off on another 7Ws. I was really looking forward to a weekend of riding, training, fun and catching up with friends made over the past year through other activities within TVAM.

    On this trip , however, a new training opportunity called ‘Starburst’ was introduced which meant that there were now two types of training opportunities available to associates. The first was the usual group ride out with the advantage of being allocated different observed rides throughout the day, and the other (Starburst) was a full day’s 1:2 training session with an Observer.

    As this was the first time this training opportunity had been offered, my husband and I decided to sign up, thinking it would be the boost needed to iron out our bad habits. It certainly did that.

    We were allocated Barrie Smith as our trainer for the day and it began with a very thorough briefing about what we could expect for the day ahead.  My husband and I each had different areas to work on. Barrie worked seamlessly the entire day so I didn’t feel like I was holding them back, and vice versa.

    It really did feel like one to one training and he built my confidence so much. Barrie also recognised when I was tired from pushing myself and made sure I had sufficient breaks to recharge. I got so much out of the day and felt improvements on areas that I had struggled with before, as did my husband.

    The route had a variety of fast-flowing, twisty roads and some more technical sections and just the right amount of traffic for overtaking practice. It took in parts of the Rhayadar ring, heading up to Snowdonia and stopping at a disused power-station with scenic views overlooking a lake at Llyn Trawsfyndd.

    The return ride included Newtown to Crossgates where we could really put what we had learned during the day into practice. I couldn’t believe how I rode that route in comparison to the last time I was there – smoother, faster and safer.

    The day included plenty of stops to discuss opportunities for learning and improvement, as well as lunch and cake stops. We both gained a lot out of it and would highly recommend the intensive training day if given the opportunity. What a great idea for associates! We really are spoilt for learning choices with this club.

    A huge thank you to Barrie for his time and valuable training. We could definitely feel the difference riding home the following day. We would also like to thank Ness, Andy and all for making this 7Ws trip another one to remember. They even managed to control the doom and gloom weather for most parts of the days.

    Roll on the next one.

    27th – 29th March 2020

    First published in Slipstream November 2019

    We All Have A Story To Tell

    Posted on | by Salli Griffith

    We all have a motorbike story/journey to tell. Mine started in 1992 as an 11-year old going to secondary school for the first time and passing the motorbike shop with its mass of green Kawasakis outside. When I first saw a Ninja, I knew I would one day own one.

    Fast forward a few years to July 2017. I sat my motorbike theory test and passed first time. I sat the test even before having ever been on a bike. My theory was, if I couldn’t pass the written test then there wouldn’t be any point doing the practical. It wasn’t until a year later that I took my CBT in July 2018. Oh my, I fell in love. I knew this was something that I really wanted to do. The feeling of being on a bike was akin to my other passion – skydiving – freedom! Due to work, it took me until September 2018 to pass my full licence.

    As a nurse, I knew passing wasn’t the end of my motorbike journey, rather it was just the beginning. I was aware I needed to be as safe as I possibly could, having seen what happens when things go wrong. In November 2018 I joined TVAM. I remember my first ride, I was shocking! The second observed ride was just as bad. I came to a stop at a junction, put my foot down, went to go but had to stop again. I’d noticed bikes coming around the blind corner. It was almost like the tarmac had been removed, there was nothing there. The road had disappeared and I toppled over onto my ass, laughing at my stupidity. I’m not sure my Observer, David, saw the funny side. At the time we discussed it and we went through what happened and what went wrong. It’s only now, after going through the process, that I fully appreciate why David hadn’t see the funny side. Firstly, I’d missed the sign to say ‘give way 100 yards’. Secondly, I didn’t read the road and hadn’t noticed it was off camber – until I was on my ass.  Finally, I rushed into something without an appropriate plan. On my second observed ride, I was still learning the system – IPSGA.

    I was still making silly mistakes up until my 7th observed ride – 6 weeks since starting at TVAM. But then, something clicked. It all made sense. Hoorah! I was riding at an advanced level on each observed ride and I understood. I was becoming a thinking rider. I was becoming a safer rider. I was also becoming a fatter rider thanks to all the coffee and cake over debriefs!

    At this point, I thought of something crazy. I will ride around the Highlands on my own, but that’s a story for another day.

    Then came my first, big group ride on 7Ws. For most people, 7Ws is a weekend full of fun, sun (at times) and learning. For me it was full of tears, tantrums and losing myself a little along the way. The Friday of 7Ws riding to Wales, was great. My only kind of cock-up was filtering on a solid white line for the Chief Observer to witness. Duh! In my defence, the road was clear and the car behind me was making me nervous, so I avoided danger. That’s my story and I’m going to stick with it. The Friday for me was the best part of the weekend. Having never ridden within a big group or over such distances, it was a challenge which I embraced with both wheels. I hold onto that experience with very high esteem and it helped shape me into a good rider.

    On the Saturday, I went on the pink run. I really had no idea what to expect. I went pink because it’s such a pretty colour. In hindsight, I should have paid attention to the ride not the colour. I’m not going to go into much detail, but I was rocking backwards and forwards, crying and ready to hand in my keys! Thanks to Ness and Barry, that didn’t happen. With their observation, knowledge, support and guidance I survived the Saturday. It gave me the reality check that I needed.

    On the Sunday, the final group ride, I took the long ride home. Again, in hindsight, I should have taken the quick route. Although this ride was tantrum and tear free, the fatigue had set in. I had to, at each stop, check my own human factors, looking for holes, repair those holes and continue riding again.

    Although, my experience on the 7Ws wasn’t like most peoples, I am very much looking forward to September, where I plan on being a back marker.

    Anyway, I came back from the 7Ws a different rider. I was a lot more competent, but I’d also lost some of my confidence. Although I have a very limited biking history, the one thing I’ve learned is you need to be competent, but you also need confidence – not too much, but just enough, and I’d lost some of mine. I felt sorry for my Observer; he really didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he was paired with me. I’m not going to lie; I was – still am – a challenge. It took a pep talk and a social ride for me to regain what I’d lost. From that point, each ride was about fine tuning. My cross check went swimmingly and I was recommended for my advanced test. Hoorah!

    After only 9 months of riding under my belt I went to Scotland and rode the NC500 on my own. I had to come back a few days earlier than planned because I had, whilst on the NC500 route, booked my test. I never do anything the easy way.

    I remember the morning of my advanced test; I was bricking it. Yes, I vomited! I’m not ashamed to admit that nerves got the better of me for all of 10 minutes. But I took it like a girl, I ‘super-womaned’ up, I could achieve anything, and I did. I passed my advanced test with a F1RST and full clean sheet of ones.

    I went from a learner, to advanced rider in 9 months! Within 6 months of joining TVAM I had undergone 16 observed rides, countless social rides both with large groups, small groups and, when not on an official ride, my ‘riding buddy’ David. With maybe 60 hours of contact time, countless text messages ranging from analysing rides, discussing situations and random questions with my Observer, I was an advanced rider. As I said, I could achieve anything and I did, but I had the support of the group and my Observer. If it was not for David but also Alan, Steve, Ness, Keith and many more Observers and fellow Associates (mostly Julie – who was told everything – if it went wrong, we discussed; if it went right, we discussed) I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goal. I look forward to where my place fits within the group, my story isn’t like everyone else’s and I want to pass on my journey and experience to the future, thinking riders.

    Unfortunately, 4 days after passing my advanced test I came off my bike, broke my foot and am unable to ride for the moment due to being in cast – but that’s a story for another day!

    Oh, and if anyone is wondering – The Tea Cosy, Hurstbourne Tarrant was probably the best stop off/debrief location/cake-eating place David and I visited whilst on our journey to making me a thinking rider.

    Paula Nash

    First Published in Slipstream August 2019

    The 7Ws Smile Says it All! (Gallery)

    Posted on | by Salli Griffith

    A short time ago, my husband returned from his first training trip to Wales. He raved about it so much, saying it was a great confidence-booster weekend, exactly what I needed to build up my own confidence and suggesting that I go on the next trip. “Good for him,” I thought, but there was no way I felt ready to go on one of those trips yet. I had only passed my test last year and had only been riding ‘properly’ – albeit rather nervously – since the summer started.

    The next time I attended the St. Crispin’s meeting Lou Dickinson came up to me. She told me that she had ridden in behind me and could see that I was nervous and said that I should definitely go on the next 7Ws weekend. This was my first time meeting Lou but my husband had already told me how great she had been observing and training him on the previous trip. I could see how much his riding had improved as a result, but then he had been riding for 20 years so, in my head, it was always going to be easier for him. I politely said to Lou that I would go, secretly hoping that, with so many people applying for it, I may not get a space… but then I got the dreaded email… I had been allocated a place… now I had to go. What had I let myself in for? The answer…. the best decision I ever made!

    On the first day, we arrived at the meeting point earlier than everyone else, filled up our bikes and went into the café for breakfast. As more and more riders turned up I became concerned that I would not be as good as a lot of them and that I was going to be holding everyone up. Was it too late to go home? The feeling of intimidation by such a large number of people soon left me however when, after the introductory meeting, we all went to our allocated, much smaller, groups. There were around 12-14 people in my group with an Observer for each Associate. The rules of marking and the role of the back marker were explained and I was also assured that my Observer would stop with me when it was my turn to mark. I began to feel more at ease as we were now a smaller group of smiling faces. My first Observer was Ian who instantly made me feel comfortable and reassured me that it was okay to ride at my pace and not anyone else’s.

    The routes were planned to avoid boring motorways and included lots of great roads to get us to Wales with plenty of stops and support from the Observers, which made the run a very manageable distance. A few great tips from Ian meant that I could feel the improvement in my riding position before we even got to our first stop. So, when we did stop I had the start of that 7Ws smile on my face. And this was all within the first hour of a 3-day training weekend!

    Paul then took on the challenge of my next observed ride. When I became frustrated with myself over some of my attempts on bends he provided encouragement and tips which really improved my ride – not to mention the overtakes. He helped me go from two overtakes since I had passed my test, to half a dozen in the few hours I was being observed by him. And this was still only day one!

    Arriving at the hotel after a spectacular ride down we fuelled up and parked our bikes all ready to leave early in the morning. The hotel was booked exclusively for us and had secure parking, great service and amazing staff all for the small amount that we paid for the weekend.

    We freshened up, then after dinner, were entertained by Sean Westlake from Rapid Training, who told us many humourous tales of motorcycle-related wisdom. Then we retired to the bar for further tales of our ride experience, adventures and lessons learned on the way down. That night I went to sleep thinking, “How can this get any better?”….but it did!

    On the second day, which was the main event of the weekend, I was looking forward to riding on the amazing Welsh roads with some stunning scenery and photo opportunities. We were allocated to our run leader and back marker and were talked through our run for that day. Again, we had a nice intimate group and by now there were a few familiar faces from our chats in the bar the night before. Once again, I took advantage of an observed ride and started my day with Lou and within no time at all she had worked with me to achieve an improvement on my lines through bends, making all the lovely twisty roads so much more fun. With her words of encouragement my 7Ws smile was becoming wider and wider as the day went on. Heather took over the reins on my next observed ride and I managed a few more overtakes that I would not have dreamed of doing a week ago. What was happening to me… was I becoming a proper biker?

    What an amazing day, riding through the fantastic, twisty roads of the Welsh hills and valleys. It really could not get any better than this. Even the rain stayed away.

    After dinner on Saturday evening, an awards ceremony was held during which wooden spoons were awarded for a variety of achievements or infringements, such as the worst overtakes or the most improved rider/s.  It was all delivered in good spirits with lots of banter and humour and made for a very enjoyable part of the weekend.

    On the final day the trip back to Oxfordshire took in some enjoyable twisty roads providing the opportunity to practice what we had learned over the weekend. Again, there were plenty of stops to refuel or get coffee or lunch, making the distance back quite comfortable.

    I came home from the weekend with the 7Ws smile; the wooden spoon for the most improved rider; many new friends and above all a massive confidence boost and significantly improved riding ability. This was all down to the efforts and hard work of the 7Ws organisers, Observers, run leaders and back markers who volunteered their time and efforts to organise the venues and routes to provide a great training and development opportunity. I cannot recommend the training weekends enough. The one-on-one observed rides, encouragement, feedback, welcoming and supportive approach really made me feel like this weekend was all about me and my fellow red badge holders.

    Looking forward to the next one!  Here’s hoping that I get a space… and I really mean it this time!

    Rhona Ferry

    First published in Slipstream November 2018

    7Ws #37 in Wales

    Posted on | by Andy Slater

    It really was a glorious 7Ws #37 over the weekend 28th – 30th September in sunny Wales. Much was learnt and digested by the 60+ riders who attended. We had the pleasure of the company of Sean Westlake, an ex police motorcyclist who has supported our Observers at their weekend in Wales for many years and lately has joined the ranks of Rapid Training to pass on his knowledge to riders on their excellent courses. As usual there will be two 2019 7W’s trips which are a perfect opportunity to improve or revisit your riding skills in an informal and social atmosphere. Many thanks to all those who organised the weekend, led runs and back-marked.

    7ws

    7Ws #30 Spring 2015: 10th – 12th April 2015!

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

    Yes, the next 7Ws will be held in the Spring from 10th to 12th April, and will be the 30th time that this fantastic event has run. Even more opportunity to improve your riding standard and build your TVAM network. Watch out for some special celebratory touches… Bookings are now open; to register your interest send an email to booking@7xWs.co.uk and get the dates in your dairy!

    There’s more information about the 7Ws under the 7Ws menu items on the left.

    7ws

    7Ws #29 – Autumn 2014

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

    DANCE OF THE SEVEN VALES

    (including Ebbw and others)

     

    After 28 previous attempts you would think they could get it right, wouldn’t you?
    And I expect they could if it wasn’t for the rest of the bunch, who always, but always make it difficult by screwing something up……Arrrgh! But who really cares?

    Anyway the instructions were simple; get yourself and your bike (full of petrol) to Sainsbury’s near Oxford by about 8.30 for a big breakfast and a briefing. You will be allocated to a team and you will do as you are told by the BIG BOSS and your team leader in that order. You will wear a silly little arm band in a twee colour to associate you with your group and prevent yourself from becoming lost or abandoned in that dangerous place called England.

    I, along with several others in the group happened to be men of stature, middle aged spread in all departments! So when I was handed my Barbie Pink arm band sized XS I had to commission help to cut off the circulation in my left arm and fasten it around my wrist. That being the smallest diameter I was prepared to wrap it about. Other options were suggested by the helpful lady dispensing the tourniquets.

    I must have done something very wrong cos I had to go in the girls group, and as we all know that’s no place for a real biker! The leader was a tiny girl stretched across a Gixer 750; looked like a small piece of laundry waiting on the ironing board for a pressing engagement. The back marker was a very severe lady on a loud motorcycle…I don’t know what her name was, couldn’t catch it over the racket!

    We and the other teams bravely set off as instructed in the general direction of Wales. It was carefully planned so no two teams would use the same stretch of road at the same time and cause a terrible clash of colours. Well that was the plan. I really enjoyed meeting the guys in the Green arm bands, they seemed a great bunch, as did the Blue ones we met some miles further up the road…It was such a friendly day. We met everybody and waved and exchanged arm bands as a sign of kinship.

    After a fine dry ride around some threatening black clouds we all arrived safely in Llandrindod Wells and were allocated beds…I was getting concerned as I had a pink arm band and really wanted to share with the boys. Then we could sit up late into the night telling stories like you do when let out on our own. I needn’t have worried, there were several isolation pens and one was for me. If you had been travelling in Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea or were a known snorer you got a suite.

    That first night was great; we all met in the bar and told stories while drinking locally-brewed ale. There was a choice of two, both dispensed from flexible bladders – both before and after drinking. The dark mysterious brew was called Rawlins Wrath and the lighter golden one was named the Morning After. We drank copious amounts and the stories got better and better, Chris Brownlee telling the most unlikely tale of how he managed to overtake a cart horse on a country lane….nobody believed him, but we were all in good humour and smiled knowingly. Craggy was extolling the virtues of his new bike – a product of Scrapheap Challenge and made of several well known makes grafted together, the joints cunningly concealed with duct tape. Ian had a super new Honda which was equipped with masses of luggage, mostly required for his missus evening dress and stuff and a small bum bag for his stuff.

    All levels of rider and all types of machine are welcome on the excursion, from the rank novice to the expert rider. There were bikes with no gears and one simple control (Jez) to bikes with loads of gears, most of which don’t get used (Mr James).

    Saturday was to be a day of exciting rides led by various advanced riders. It was a good day. The pink girlie’s stayed dry and had a great time swooping around the mountains and stopping at twee places for tucker and tea. The other colours all got wet (ha! ha!) and came back to the hotel telling tales of daring do. Craggy and Rawlins gave up! Too wet and cold for the boys with their weak bladders and dodgy bikes! What’s more their fags went out over 40MPH.

    That night as usual, some got completely ‘advanced’. Fun was had by all, and much joviality found at other’s expense. Spoons abounded and rounds of applause and drinks could be heard into the wee small hours.

    Early the next morning, trying to leave unnoticed under the cover of fog the guilty made their escape. First Des tried to start his bike quietly but woke the hotel as his loose change from the bar last evening fell from his pockets. Next to sneak off were Slater and Coneley, that well known dodgy duo from down Souf….Andy’s Akrapovic exhaust only marginally louder than Pat’s farting after the hotel meals washed down with lashings of local brew. We all rode back in a damp October mist that cleared to give stunning views of mountains in cotton wool when crossing the top of the Brecons.

    Everyone got back sometime on Sunday with different tales to tell about #29 and started immediately talking about the inevitable #30! Hope you all had a great 7Ws….if it was perfect no-one would bother, and like life, it goes on regardless. That’s another 550 miles off my new set of PR4’s and a fitting end to 2014’s summer biking. I have to say within the groups of riders that I followed the riding was exemplary TVAM riding standard…the newcomers expanded their envelope safely and the ole war horses set a great example.
    It is, after all, the epitome of TVAM and perhaps the linchpin event that underscores the club’s values more than any other. Well done the organising team and Daff for instigation all those years ago.

    Colin Wheeler

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    7Ws #28 – Spring 2014

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

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    7Ws #28 SPRING (ALLEGEDLY)

    After a round of meetings (a.k.a. tea drinking marathons) the usual suspects had arranged room allocations, routes, run leaders and back markers. So we were all set. On this trip there were added refinements – coloured armbands and parking marshals at Sainsbury’s car park at Heyford Hill. I’m not sure you can call Bowler and Gnobber refined; please discuss.

    All parked up bar two, the intrepid parking marshal duo, or gruesome twosome as some would have it, sought advice about the non-arrival of Ness and Mr Lucky (as he is now known), who were posted as missing. Mr Lucky had a new wiring loom fitted in the lead up to the weekend. All was well until the new loom caught fire on the way to Sainsbury’s. A very nice AA man put out the fire and fixed the problem. Mr Lucky then had a puncture when filling up with fuel. Said puncture was fixed by Si and Iain (nits in shining armour) and we were all ready to rock and roll.

    Issued with the correct colour armbands, what a brilliant idea, for each run and fully briefed by Lou and Simon we were off. Do you know about theories? Well it goes like this. The runs will set off at predetermined intervals so that we don’t cross over and get all mixed up. All was well until the pink run got to Toddington to find the road closed. Off on a jolly thirty-odd mile detour we crossed over all the other three runs. Thank the Lord for coloured armbands or we might still be out there now. The detour meant lunch was a tad late. Assembled in the café we realised someone was missing. Who do you think it could be? It’s our man Mr Lucky who’d missed a marker and ended up at a garden centre. Iain, he of the shining armour fame, volunteered to bring our man in from the wilderness, viz., garden centre, to the café.

    A brief discussion ensued, should we wait for the lost soul and let him have some grub or saddle up and bugger off as soon as he arrived at the café. In a display of saintliness to rival the patron saint of Marks and Spencer, St Michael of the Holy Underpants, we waited, bless.

    At this point Lou had a brainwave. We are only a short-ish, (oops, not supposed to have any short references on Lou’s route; may have got away with it though) distance from the hotel, she intoned. Shall we go by a much more direct route or stick to the original route. After the tumbleweed had stopped blowing about and the eerie wind noise had stopped the assembled company went for – the original route – you know the one – that awful road from Newtown to Crossgates.

    Hooning, sorry, riding progressively along the Crossgates road, I espied, in a lay-by, the Heddlu (police to you English types). He had just finished nicking some oik in an Astra. As I approached the lay-by he started to move past the crestfallen Astra-man and waited for me to go past, bastard, and sat behind me while I rode down that delightful stretch of road at 60 mph. He watched me like a hawk for about five minutes and having seen enough took off like a bat out of Hell on the opposite side of the road in true Heddlu pursuit mode. His object, to catch up with the other bit of the run in front of me to see if he could add to his tally for the day. Needless to say he did catch them up but was spotted and couldn’t add to his haul.

    All assembled at the hotel the usual ritual unfolded. Drafts of liver-crippling quantities of alcohol were downed. Prayers of grateful thanks for coloured armbands were offered up. Copious amounts of bollocks were spoken. Dinner was devoured accompanied by more liver-crippling  booze and bollocks. Now we were onto the poetic beauty of the descriptions of the Saturday rides. The run leaders described their routes for the morrow to a standard that would have had Will Shakespeare green with envy. The assembled amnesiac drunks chose their route and eventually everyone went to bed.

    Saturday dawned a little on the chilly side. After a hearty Welsh breakfast the rides set out for various corners of the Principality. Because I like the seaside I went on Peter’s run to Aberaeron. Apart from the occasional shower of sleet, hail and rain, you know springtime and all that, we had a lovely day. We took in the Elan Valley, Tregaron, where the first 7Ws was run by the legend that is Daf Phillips. Thence to Aberaeron for lunch; fish and chips to rival even the, almost now peerless, chippy in Barmouth. Back to the hotel nice and early and in the bar for more liver punishment.

    The other rides were much longer than Peter’s and so they duly started to turn up in dribs and drabs. The dribs were quickly cleared up by the hotel staff and put outside in a wheelie bin. The drabs were disposed of as hazardous biological waste by the local fire brigade who said they had never come across anything like it in all their call-outs since records began.

    After a while we had a phone call from Anthea who had been marking a junction for an hour or more. Due to an error by one of the markers which resulted in them leaving their post, a group of riders had gone the wrong way. In sunny Wales you can sometimes cover twenty plus miles of main road with no junctions. In the true tradition of GNATS and TVAM none was left behind and they all did get back eventually, bemused, very cold and very tired.

    At this point it’s probably worth mentioning the importance of good marking on a group run. It is essential that you stop and stay where the run leader places you to mark. Don’t stop sooner than the indicated spot and not after. Right on the mark is where you should be and it’s vital that you stay there. Don’t move from the mark, even if Kylie Minogue and Rachel Stevens pop out from the scenery and offer you a quick ménage-a-trois, (ladies please insert your own fantasy males in this space). Anyway enough lecturing as there was a plus side to the story. Our diamond geezer emerged from the mess; none other than Gary, or Drew as he is known by some. With a swift flourish he whipped out his – wait for it – waterproof suit and donated it to Ness or freezing Ness as she now was. Suitably attired in the aforementioned suit the Ness and the other lost souls returned to the hotel to be greeted with some sympathy and the usual large helpings of sarcasm and rhubarb.

    The night unfolded into dinner, liver bashing and the wooden spoon awards. The major recipients were Gary, (Diamond Geezer), unfortunately I can’t recall the others apart from the spoon for Gnob of the Day, which went to a certain Senior Observer for his overtake with not one but two junctions involved. I apologise for not remembering the other recipients but all the spoons were richly deserved for all the right reasons. This year we couldn’t have our guest speaker from last time, the estimable Rob Barber. He was on duty to receive an award for best privateer in the last race season. Well done Rob! And so to bed at about half-two in the morning.

    The rest was all pretty straightforward, back to Burford for a quick cuppa and home.

    On behalf of everyone who went a big diolch yn fawr, (thank you) to Lou, Ian and Chris Brownlee for all the organisational effort that go into our twice yearly jaunt to sunny Wales. Also many thanks to all the run leaders, back markers and the rest of the organisers, you know who I mean.

    And diolch yn fawr to everyone who went for a cracking weekend. Long may it continue.

    Pob hwyl, nos da, Myfawy.

    Gnobber

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    7Ws #27 – Autumn 2013

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

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    7 verses, 7Ws and many, many thanks

    Being somewhat deranged I stand often accused
    And as I mature I become more confused
    But it’s to the following who, last weekend,
    I credit for ‘driving me right round the bend’!   (so to speak)

    Thanks to the run leaders and back markers, too
    My observers, James Spence, Andy Slater and Lou.
    Thanks goes to Salli for enduring my snores
    Which some guests complained could be heard between floors.

    I left Friday morning, thinking I was prepared,
    The engine was revving and no horsepower spared.
    But I forgot some essentials whilst packing in haste
    So thanks also to Ness for the tube of toothpaste.

    I rode around Wales on my chrome-bedecked steed
    The wind in my face and a yearning for speed.
    The roads wound before me and, thanks-be to On High,
    The mountains were majestic and the weather stayed dry.

    With little ground clearance, my Harley rides low.
    I straddled a manhole and what do you know!
    I was marooned on a forecourt, and if I may say
    Without Jez to my aid, I’d be there today!

    As a familiar face in the crowd, my thanks goes to Stu
    And for seeing me home, I’m grateful to “Drew”    (Peacock!).
    Thanks to those with whom I sat down to dine
    For the wonderful tales, the laughter, the wine.

    Now, to the organisers – you know who you be –
    A wild, wicked, wonderful 7Ws thank you from me.
    Just a slight issue, there’s only one thing,
    Where in the heck do I sign up for Spring?

    Kathy Drogemuller

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    7Ws #26 – Spring 2013

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

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    A very different kettle of fish

    After a ropey start with Stalag 17 at Victoria Wells having gone bust, preparations had gone really well. Chris had found a new venue able to take sufficient numbers – up to eighty peeps at one stage. There was a new computerised booking system devised by Ian, and Steve had done a really good deal with the hotel. The final planning meeting was held at Ian and Lou’s, where tons of chilli, rice, bread, cakes and huge volumes of tea and coffee vanished. The four groups and rides had been put together for all three days of the trip. The T-shirts had been ordered, the run leaders and back markers were all sorted and bacon butties and liquid refreshments all organised at our new start venue at the Plough in Wheatley.

    The first thing to go Pete Tong was the t-shirt company, which went bust, but luckily for us we hadn’t parted with any cash. Next it was the weather, which had at first looked as if it would be a tad on the cool side but ok. By the Thursday it had all changed, and the trip was cancelled due to dire weather warnings of snow, sleet and the start of the next ice age. Then the hotel refused to refund any of our pennies. So that was it….. or was it?

    First the TVI (Thame Village Idiots, aka, Craggy, Rawlins and Bowler) Society decided they were going in Bowler’s little red Jeep regardless of the f***ing weather. This then caused a flood of bloody-mindedness, and lots of others also decided that the weather could go swivel. In the end 20+ folk turned up at the hotel – none on bikes, thank God! Normal service resumed as everyone assembled in the bar, and tales of daring-do abounded. If Scott had had some of this lot with him he would have had no trouble beating that Amundsen guy to the pole.

    So what to do on the Saturday? Step forward our intrepid mountain guide Richard Tickner. ‘Let’s go on a moderate to easy walk up the nearby mountain’ said the mountain man. ‘That sounds like a good shout’, said some hardy folk. The TVI didn’t like the sound of it as walking was involved. “Walking – that’s what you do when you get off your bike and go into the shop for your paper, baccy and Rizlas. Quite far enough for me to walk thank you very much!” said Rawlings. They did agree to walk into the town…

    Other more sensible folk ventured off into bandit country of Anglesey to see some standing stones and to try to find Druids and male-voice choirs. They found the stones, but the Druids and the choirs had all buggered off to Australia to find some warm weather. I don’t know what the rest got up to, it’s probably safer not to ask.

    Meanwhile Richard’s happy band had reached the Electric Mountain. This is a visitor centre for the Dinorwic power station. It’s billed as the world’s fastest-reacting power station, and is capable of supplying the national grid with power within twelve seconds of being asked for some volts and amps. This is all down to superior Welsh technology involving bucketloads of water and a big hole in the mountain to pour it all down. We watched a short video about how it was all made, the cost (£450 million), and how long it took to build (ten years). Then we went on the bus down into the bowels of the mountain, (do mountains have bowels?), to see the workings and some volts and amps, huge valves and spinning monster shafts, and some of the biggest dynamos I’ve ever seen.

    Then there was another video in case anyone had fallen asleep during the first one, then we went back above ground to what passes for the normal world in these northern latitudes. All the English people (seisnegs we call them in Wales) believed the story about the water, and the amps and volts. How silly – everyone knows that you can’t have electricity and water in close proximity – try turning on your two-bar electric fire and chucking it in the bath and you’ll see what I mean. The truth is the hole in the mountain is where the red dragon lives. Y Ddraig Goch is his proper name, except on weekends when he’s called Colin. All the electricity is down to his fiery breath after dining at Mifanw Patel’s all-night curry house and fish bar. Some apprentice dragons live there as well, and they go to work every day disguised as camels, doing a shift in Ivor the Engine’s boiler.

    Richard led us off for our second adventure, issued crampons and roped us all together for our “moderate walk” up the outside of the dragon’s lair, and off we went. Part way up the mountain, after pausing for some oxygen and Yak’s milk, I’m sure I spotted the ghostly figures of Hillary and Tensing waving at us through the driving snow and shouting for what sounded like the Kenny Everett character, Cupid Stunt. Soon we were a little bit uncertain of our position, or “lost” as some would say.

    The party split into two factions, both certain that they knew the way. At this point Duncan technically overtook the run leader to scout ahead, so we all made a mental note for later. After much to-ing and fro-ing between the two groups we were sorted out by two locals, who said that if we carried on it would all get very bad with knee-deep snow drifts (big problem for Lou), big holes and a mountainside to fall down. They probably thought that we were all the Kenny Everett character as well.

    After about one second of careful consideration we called Duncan back from his trek across the crevasse-strewn glacier, and headed back down the mountain to what passes for civilisation. We made it back to base camp for our next adventure, getting stuck into tea, coffee and cake in the honey and wine shop, which also sold mead. We tasted quite a lot of mead, as everyone kept pretending that they couldn’t remember which was which.

    We thought we should then buy some mead as we had tasted about half the shop’s stock, and wobbled back to the hotel. It was a bit like being on holiday in Greece, except it was so bloody cold – you know when you try retsina, think it’s great, and when you get home it tastes like paraffin with horse piss in it. When I’ve summoned the courage to try the mead again I’ll let you know.

    The TVI were back after their adventure, where they saw a lot of the back of a snow plough and the JCB that came to dig out the snow plough. What they did for the rest of the day is shrouded in mystery and swirling snow, but I’m sure I spotted some threads of sheep’s wool caught on the tailgate of the little red Jeep…

    More of the same old stuff in the hotel – masses of booze and food, banter, exaggeration and downright lies, followed by yet more booze and an early night at half-one on Sunday morning. As it was 7Ws we had to have a go at the wooden spoon awards, but we couldn’t award proper wooden ones because we weren’t on bikes, so it was decided to award Duncan a virtual wooden spoon for technically overtaking the run leader.

    It was a very different 7Ws, but extremely enjoyable with plenty of craic. A big thank you to all who braved the weather to get there. See some or all of you again next time.

    The Cardiff Kid

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    7Ws #25 – Autumn 2012

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

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    Previously unpublished

    7Ws – A Success Story

    The 25th iteration of the 7W’s had to be a cut above the rest, having said that the 24th was a corker as were all the preceding events, just the ticket in their own right. The reason for this is that every 7Ws consists of a cast of thousands and the mix is the same; a few Observers, a few Associates, a few Green Teamers, and within each of those groups, a core team who support the event each and every time. So you have first timers and experienced 7W’ers all riding together.

    The backdrop for this is mid Wales and its heady mix of challenging roads and open sweepers along with mist, rain, suicidal sheep and hard unforgiving terrain; also beer and mystical stories of daring do.

    The whole thing started back in the mists of time by a wild welsh biker known as Daff (or Daff-t) depending on your point of view. He decided that some of the virgin bikers the club was attracting needed an opportunity to stretch their legs and have a real challenge. So he laid down the basis for the 7Ws and it has remained much the same for 25 wonderful repeats. Held at the beginning and end of the biking year, that is March/April and October. It is now a pilgrimage for many and an aspiration for some; many have tried to book a place and never managed to get one yet?!

    The venue has changed over the years to cater for the ever increasing numbers and their high expectations. The latest being a collection of wooden huts hidden deep within the pine forests of Llanfukinlostagain, a little akin to Stalag 14 but without the fence. It is run by a consortium of East European Mafia who have few regular visitors other than TVAM. Most of their previous guests sleep with the fishes.

    The luxury wooden cabins are lushly fitted with bri-nylon curtains, original Cyril Lord carpet and are ‘top notch’. They boast a kettle and a bed; mine was supported on four house bricks (that’s the bed) and had a duvet and matching pillow cases. The kettle had a long and useful lead so you could use the common power outlet some 48 metres away if unoccupied by others?! The leccie cost you a pound coin about once every 90 seconds if you use a hair drier when boiling the kettle. Views from the cabins are a fantastic panorama of other bikers fighting over the power socket and two wild donkeys; one is called Chocolate; he wears a wide brimmed straw hat and sucks a carrot, the other is called Sweetie and looks frightened!…….

    Food is provided to those participating whether they want it or not. It is not permitted to smuggle in wholesome snacks or vegetables. The day starts with a hearty breakfast of cornflakes and chips washed down with lashings of Welsh tea. The evening meal is a celebration of Nouveaux Welsh cuisine based around the fried potato. There is plenty of local beer and wine to add height to the already tall stories and increase the volume of applause to the Spoon receivers.

    Now the ceremony of the spoon is a very special part of the 7Ws …it is the duty of all attending to grass up (or lie) about the riding skills (or lack of) displayed or imagined to be seen whilst out on the road. Thus, if you are lucky enough to have a dodgy overtake witnessed by the hoard, you may be in for a wooden spoon. They are presented by a fearsome figure of a woman standing 1.4meters high in her stocking feet and suspenders!? But worse of all is the story of how you won your spoon as interpreted by Rawlins…now sarcasm is his second name and he crafts his tales to ensure maximum discomfort is given to the poor unsuspecting recipient of the trophy. This year to mark the occasion the spoons were especially finished in sparkly fairy dust lacquer to mark the 25th year. It is quite hard to get a spoon; you have to be real bad or stitched up proper.

    The whole point of the 7Ws event is to have sustained riding over a long distance on good roads that challenge you. This is further enhanced by the ability to watch others and learn from their skill or mistakes. There is no doubt that all who attend are improved by the experience, they not only get to ride 500 miles with other good riders on technical roads but meet with other TVAM riders and forge friendships that stand the test of time and make them part of the club. This is ever harder to do as we expand and grow to corporate proportions and lose some of the cuddliness we once had.

    I have been on about eight of these training holidays from early tentative days as a novice rider through the other stages and got something positive out of all of them. I could recommend it as a must for all who aspire to ride well on two wheels and long may it continue.

    Many thanks to those who step up to the plate and spend time and effort organising it (you know who you are)

    Irreverent Biker

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    7Ws #24 – Spring 2012

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

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    Hi Louise and the dedicated organisers of 7w’s,

    A special thanks for another great weekend, gorgeous weather, fabulous rides, great company and a lot of laughs.

    My second 7′w’s, and I’m sure, not the last.

    Just to let you know that I followed Andy on his Aprilla all the way to Newbury (no fuel stops) and parted in the centre of the town.  I checked the Aprilla forum and found a solution to the small fuel tank (see attached picture) If he arrives with this modification then the 25th 7W’s WILL be memorable

    Mike (E)

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    Hi all,

    Let me add my thanks to Lou, Steve, and all run leaders, adding my thanks for your ability to add in extra fuel stops for the gas guzzler.

    I’ve since found out the Aprilia tank is 17 litres and is good for 20 miles on reserve  – so the 18.5 with the ‘You need fuel’ light on was getting close. And how I got 17.2 litres in when I filled up I just don’t know (close perhaps) …Phew….

    Thanks for the picture Mike  – Just got to save up now so I can take it out again later in the summer

    Cheers

    Andy (S)

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    Hello everybody

    I would just like to record my thanks to all the organizers and workers on this most fantastic 24th 7w’s weekend.

    It was a great success and for such a large group worked really well.

    Great runs and thanks to lill-Lou for the weather.

    The 7W’s great ‘egg on face and Spoon race’ was well hosted by the Smiling Assassin ‘Simon’ and I am gutted by not being worthy of such recognition…yet again.

    Ta Steve for tireless organization.

    The first official duty if our new DC went well.

    next time

    Colin

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    Yes, finally, I got a taste of what 7W is all about, just a bugger it had to be on the last day. I had a fantastic day and will definitely come back. Thanks to all who made it happen and to everybody who have been looking after me.

    Stefan

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    I would like to ‘big it up’ for the excellent 7W’s. Wonderful weather, wonderful company and Stalag Rad Victoria Wells just gets better and better. And the Welsh Black at the Neuadd Arms Hotel…mmmm (later).

    Thanks to everyone who helped organise the event and to Leucetois, welsh god of weather, for smiling so much this weekend.

    Q (Sion)

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    Hi All,

    Superlatives have yet to be defined that can adequately describe the 24th 7 W’s.

    The organisation, venue, company,  wonderful roads (including those nadgery one’s on Charon’s run)  were spot on and what about that weather?

    Thanks to all involved; your hard work made it a huge success and I had a brilliant time.

    Peter D

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    Yes. Thanks from me too to Lou, Steve and team for their organization and to all the run leaders and back markers, and to everyone else, you all helped to make it a good weekend (and the weather helped).

    And thanks for my spoon and your enthusiastic welcome back on Saturday (even if you were all forced into by the lovely Lou ). I certainly appreciated getting back to warmth, food, rest and good company after an interesting 3 hour ride in the dark.  

    I very much appreciate all the people that have picked me and my bike up and helped me with punctures over the years, and I try to do my bit for others when things go awry. It’s one of the great things about our biking community that we look after each other.

    Having said that, I’m not looking to pick people up off of the tarmac and would appreciate it if you would try not to throw you and your bike into the road in front of me (Bob!) unless it’s absolutely unavoidable.

    Cheers,

    Lynn<

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    Thanks everyone for a great weekend.  It’s clear that a tremendous amount of work and planning goes into the weekend and it’s very much appreciated.

    Next time I will try not to go off on my own little detour.  From what I hear the scenery was a lot better where you went!  Still, some great roads, wonderful weather and good company . . . can it get any better?

    Thanks again.

    Garry

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    I just want to add my thanks for all the organisation that must have gone into this. I have had an amazing weekend. I have learnt a lot and feel my riding has improved, which has also boosted my confidence as well.

    Thanks to Louise for three great runs. Thanks too to all the observers for their time and advice, and to all the other members offering advice and guidance.

    My total from home to home – 791 miles and around £90 of petrol!

    Hopefully see you all again for the next one.

    Jerry

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    Hear Hear.

    Thanks Louise, Steve & Amanda for all the hard work and organisation, and to all for making it a great weekend.

    Love to do it again, hopefully as a full member next time.

    Regards

    Andy R

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    Lets just say my fuel bill was a just a little bit bigger…(only by a smidgeon though…..)

    Andy (S)

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    Hi chaps

    So as not to clog up everyone else’s Inbox I thought I’d just send you a personal note of thanks for last weekend.

    Once again very enjoyable and the seamless organisation reminds me of a swan in full swim. Well done.

    John (Not JJ)

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    Thank you everyone.

    I too had a brilliant time and a wonderful week-end in spite of my little faux pas on the bridge and Lynn I promise I do do my best not to throw my bike in front of anyone but if I am going to do in front of someone, I cannot think of a better person to do in front of than you!

    However please accept my public apology for this dastardly act.  )

    & for those (few?) of you who have not heard the scuttlebutt yet – having taken my camera and not taken a single shot all w/e I thought it a lovely idea to stop for 30 seconds on a lovely old stone bridge in one of a number of little triangular  ‘alcoves’ on the bridge and take a couple of shots of riders coming across the bridge. Only to find in my impulsive decision I hadn’t clocked quite how narrow the bridge was and that every TVAM rider would then stop and ask if I was OK. It rapidly created an embarrassing traffic jam and in my haste to extricate myself from the situation, exiting the little alcove I just brushed the stone parapet which unfortunately was enough to tip the little scooter over – very much to my further embarrassment and chagrin having just had all the panels resprayed!

    Act in haste, repent in leisure!

    Regards

    Bob

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    Certainly will second it was a fab trip away and appreciation to all those involved with planning! Loved it.

    Candice X

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    Thank you Louise, Steve and all the team who organised the week end. I had a wonderful time and 3 exhilarating  runs with Ian, Louise and Amanda.

    Thank you also to Colin and Ian for your encouraging and thoughtful instruction during my observed runs.

    A great experience.

    John (D)

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    Hi all
    I’ve been trying to think of something clever to say in appreciation of a great weekend. All I can think of saying is THANK YOU ALL, not just the organizers but everyone involved with the runs.

    Regards

    Gary (P)

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    Louise / Steve

    Just to say that I had the most fantastic time over the weekend, I do apologise for all the pestering and for being a complete pain in the arse, from myself and the campaigning from Amanda before hand.

    But I’m just so pleased I was able to come, my new bike is now full run in and my confidence on it has been improved so much from a great three days riding. Amazing organisation, Amazing Roads, Amazing Weather.

    Thanks for absolutely everything,  I have already block booked all the weekends in the family calendar for the end of Sept / Oct for the next one so I won’t be such a pain next time (hopefully!!)

    See you soon<

    Pete (C)

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    Same from me too.

    Great weekend and even better than I was told it would be.

    Think I have also mastered LLR at last with thanks to some advice from Andy!

    Thanks to all involved,especially Louise and Steve,  for making it the best ever biking experience

    Cheers

    Paul

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    Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone for the most brilliant weekend of biking!!  I’ve throughly enjoyed my first 7W’s and am already counting the sleeps to the next one..

    Gemma

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    Just to add my tuppence and to join in with everyone’s enthusiastic applause … wonderful … and I never imagined that the second 7Ws could ever equal the first … but guess what.

    Tyres beginning to round off nicely with all those incredible curves  … must go back and get some photos at some point  just so I can show friends and family what I have been gibbering about for 24 hours.

    Many thanks to all the event organisers and their helpers … and also so very much to all the friendly people who shared a wonderful weekend.

    Mike

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    Hi All,

    I just wanted to add my huge THANKS to all involved in making the 7Ws such a fantastic weekend.

    This was my first 7Ws but certainly not my last, look forward to seeing you all for the 25th trip.

    Many thanks,

    Dawn x

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    What a fabulous weekend!

    Amazing weather, fabulous rides and lovely people in Gods own country.
    Huge thanks to Lou and Steve for the organisation, Steve and Ian for such brilliant runs and Dawn and Candice for being the best room-mates.

    issy

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    At risk of sounding tediously repetitive, many thanks to all those involved who made this a great weekend. However, unlike Simon’s memorable dressing down on the first night – “you know who you are, you know what you did, enough said, don’t do it again” – I do ask for all our sakes that you DO please do it again because in my view the 7Ws weekends encapsulate all that is good at TVAM.

    Cheers,
    DAVE

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    Memorable!!! Thank you all

    …… how many sleeps is it?

    Jan

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    Hi All

    I would like to add my huge thanks for another great 7W’s week-end, apologises for dumping my bike on the road on the way down on Friday.

    Thanks to everyone who helped put it and me the right way up to continue the journey.

    Looking forward to the next one, with great company.

    Best regards

    Brian

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    Just to echo all the previous messages; I had a terrific weekend, met some great people and enjoyed lovely weather.  Many thanks for the useful advice from observers I now have to dig out my highway code to prepare for my cross check.

    Apologies to Paul for the run home, I had to turn off the A40 as I left my bum-bag at the Little Chef.

    I’d love to go again!

    Tony (W)

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    What can I say? brilliant weekend, supperb riding skills, great to watch, congrats to all, from a very appreciative associate.

    Regards Mick. (K)

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    Louise

    Thanks for another great weekend – wonderful runs.  Even better for my zero increase in the spoon count.

    Graham

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    Hi Louise

    Just wanted to let you know that Kev and I got home okay.  Thanks so much for all your input for the weekend… And Steve, Simon and front and back markers.  We had a fab time… Great weather; great roads and great company.

    I am proud of my wooden spoon… I wholeheartedly accept it…

    Thanks again… We really did have a great time

    Kate & Kev

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    Home safe

    Thanks for everything, had a fab time.

    Oy, Chris, I think you’ve got something on the bottom of your shoe.

    Craggy

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    The dust has settled. Most of it appears to be on my bike!

    Another fantastic 7W’s. Well done guys.

    Love from Mike & Sheena.

    7Ws_24B The remains of Lou’s Luggage: –

    1 wooden spoon; 1 first aid kit; my helmet cam strap; a plastic wallet and my Kriega bag (sob).

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    7ws

    7Ws #23 – Autumn 2011

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

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    I had a wonderful weekend. Thank you to you and your team.

    I had three fantastic rides all in the dry, plenty of very helpful advice and lots of fun.

    Thank you very much.

    See you on Sunday

    John D

    Dear Steve,That was a glorious weekend.I had forgotten to pay for 1 DL hot chocolate, £2.80, for which I sent a cheque to the manager on Sunday, so I hope there is not a duplicate payment.

    I must forget at least 1 item a month or my bus pass will be rescinded.

    Steve L

    Lou Says

    Damn, there goes our reputation. Mind you Steve, better than leaving your false teeth in the cafe (you know who you are).

    I was a bit apprehensive about going on 7ws the first time.. I hadn’t been in TVAM that long, didn’t know anyone apart from my observer, wasn’t sure if my riding would be up to it.. all that stuff.. .. SO glad i went! Met lovely people and had such a laugh, and the riding was fabulous.. what a great experience! Been back every time since.. (and its not just cos I’m Welsh and have a homing instinct!) Cant recommend it highly enough to any associates.. get your name down now!

    Issy

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    7Ws #22 – Spring 2011

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

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    The following are the extremely proud recipients of the Spring 2011 Wooden Spoon Awards: –

    Ray McGrath – Gnob Award

    Would everyone be so careful that for the first time ever there would be no 7W’s GNOB? I don’t mind sharing with you; when the Awards Committee met early Saturday evening we were really worried and desperately started scrutinising everyone in the bar, casting around for anything we could find that would justify nomination. Oh us of little faith. We should have relied upon the innate idiocy inherent in any 7W’s run which in this case manifested itself in Ray, a seasoned 7W’er.

    So what did Ray do to earn this fabulous prize?

    Riding along a beautiful Welsh “A” road and making good progress, Ray negotiated a left hand bend at a speed slightly over 60 mph (again). At this point, the bike decided it had had enough of his hooligan behaviour and decided to throw him off by way of a tank slapper. Ray, still holding onto the bars, came off the bike and when his foot hit the road, pushed himself up and back onto the seat, by which time the bike had calmed down. Ray simply carried on as if nothing had happened. Not so fortunate was the poor bloke who witnessed the scene who had to have several pints to calm down. Luckily, he waited until he got back to Vicky Wells and told us the tale or we might not have believed him.

    So the GNOB award goes to Ray for:

    practising his MOTOGYM on a public highway

    ———————————————————-

    Wayne Devine – Simon Rawlins Horsebox Overtake Award

    There were many nominations for this very popular award but it soon became apparent that there was one clear winner.

    According to witnesses, and I am very happy to report that there were many, Wayne, (beautiful shiny Fireblade; matching leathers), was setting himself up for an overtake on an unsuspecting car, which was pootling along quite nicely. Now it may well be that Wayne had not quite got up to his usual peak performance riding wise, but the overtake just didn’t happen, and didn’t happen, and just, well, didn’t happen.

    By this time, there was a small queue building up behind him. So much so, that when he once again moved over to the left around a right hand bend, presumably to get a view of the road or indeed to have a bit of a break, our Ray (of GNOB fame, without matching leathers and on rather well used GSXR 1000), overtook both him and the car.

    The effect of this manoeuvre was to finally wake Wayne up and he set off in hot pursuit, executing a superb overtake on the wrong side of a solid white line for several 100′s of yards. This awesome display was witnessed by the bottleneck of riders he had built up behind him, many who happily shopped him to the awards committee, safe in the knowledge that his misdemeanour was far greater than theirs.

    Wayne accepted his reward graciously and by the end of the evening was very proud.

    Martin Cragg (Craggy) – Crap Marker Award

    Craggy likes to be precise. He likes to know what is expected of him and to carry out what he has been asked to do to the best of his ability. So when his run leader put him down as a left turn marker at a roundabout, he smoothly complied and sat on his unmissable Pan, left arm duly held out to indicate the way.

    “But what’s this?” he thinks to himself. “Is that the run leader I see coming back to the roundabout and turning left? Yes it is. And they haven’t put another marker down to point the new way. What should I do????

    I know, I’ll change from pointing left to pointing straight over, because they’ve obviously gone wrong and want me to point the way they meant to go. I’ll do that then and get a gold star for being really good”

    In my initial briefing concerning the Marker System, one thing I always try and stress is

    “AS A MARKER, PLEASE DON’T TRY AND BE HELPFUL. PLEASE DON’T BE INTUITIVE, PLEASE DON’T MOVE, AND PLEASE, PLEASE DON’T THINK. JUST POINT THE WAY YOU WERE ASKED TO POINT. IT WILL BE FINE”

    And the reason I say this is?

    Yes, the run leader had gone wrong but having realised their mistake, had put a turning round marker down by a petrol station. They had also put another marker down on the approach to the roundabout to turn left. Both of these markers were out of sight of the roundabout so the run effectively by-passed these two completely. And when Craggy got swept up by the back marker, he rode off with the rest of the run, justifiably proud of a job well done.

    And the two that got left behind? Having eventually walked up to the roundabout to see if Craggy knew why the run had been held up and finding it bereft of it’s marker, Simon rounded up Ian, and they eventually found their way to the next marker who just happened to be me, and who had noticed neither of them had come past so was waiting with the back marker. So all was well that ended well and we were able to comfortably award the Crap marker to the one person on the run who truly believed he didn’t deserve it since it must have been everyone else’s fault.

    ———————————————————-

    Our Steve (Watson) – Retrospective Gnob Award

    What on earth could our lovely Steve have done to earn the RG Award? Surely this can’t be right??

    Now don’t get me wrong. This wouldn’t be the first time Mr Watson had been presented with one of the coveted stirring sticks. He had not only received the “Diamond Geezer” award in October 2010, but also the “Simon Rawlins Horsebox Overtake Award” for his spectacular insistence that the oncoming mountain would move out of his way since he was trying to overtake a very large lorry in the pouring rain with a left hand bend approaching. After all, the mountain wasn’t actually doing anything at the time and he was rather busy.

    So what did he do to deserve this? Well it was more what he didn’t do that earned him this accolade.

    Because he worked so very hard organising the Autumn 2010 7W’s, including recycling his run the week we were going and taking 21st 7W’s birthday cakes to Vicky Wells for everyone, he made himself poorly and couldn’t go. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, he did the same thing 3 weeks later when he was supposed to be going to the Nürburgring.

    So nominated by Simon and given with huge love and hugs by the rest of us in the Spoons committee and Carol, who had to put up with him at home rather than have a lovely weekend on her own indulging in burger and chips and watching chick flicks.

    ———————————————————-

    Kelly McGrath – Diamond Geezer / Geezeress Award

    Not only did her dad scoop the GNOB of the weekend award, but Kelly did the McGrath family proud by being the deserved winner of the Diamond Geezeress award.

    This award can only be given for a gesture of such selfless generosity, that the rest of us have to admit that we very probably wouldn’t have done it, and competed to hide behind each other. So what did Kelly do to deserve it?

    On Saturday, she decided to go on Nigel’s seaside run. Now the only thing I would say is that Kelly is quite a seasoned 7W’er, so should have suspected that since Nigel was on a BMW, there was very little chance of him and the bike completing the whole trip without one or the other of them breaking down.

    Sure enough, the Beamer went on strike and the run ground to a halt before it even started. Bereft of their leader, (although that wasn’t strictly true since he was actually fine), no-one knew what was to be done. There was a distinct possibility that ice creams by the seaside may just be a happy pipe-dream rather than a sunny reality.

    At this point, I would just like to remind everyone that riding in Wales is AWESOME. It’s why we go. So to ride to Wales and then not actually to ride around Wales is not something anyone would aspire to.

    So what does Kelly do? She voluntarily loans her bike to Nigel and goes pillion, thus not herself riding around Wales.

    We on the committee felt this gesture was over and above the call of duty and awarded the spoon jointly:

    To Kelly for her generosity

    To her poor GSXR for having to do 200 miles with Nigel in the saddle (yes we have enough tools between us to separate the two of them, eventually)

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    7ws

    7Ws #21 – Autumn 2010

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

    The following are the extremely proud recipients of the Autumn 2010 Wooden Spoon Awards: –

    Richard Mold – Gnob of the Weekend Award

    This coveted award, the creme de la creme of 7Ws wooden spoons, is avoided by many and given to so few. This trip, we on the Awards committee were struggling somewhat to find a truly worthy winner. We were just about to decide on Salli G, who on Friday night volunteered to be Back Marker on Ian’s Saturday run, who then wrote down her phone number wrong on all the run cards, who then left three people behind as soon as the run started, and who later on sailed past Ross, who had just laid his bike down on a grass verge having been the victim of some hooligan behaviour from some rather unsavoury locals, when Adam, another Saturday Run Leader, informed us of the following: –

    Richard began by being a highly Advanced Rider by recognising he wasn’t on the ball due to feeling poorly and taking medication. He informed Adam, his run leader, that he was bailing out of the run and making his own way back to Llanwrtyd Wells. So far so good but it wasn’t to last. In front of said Run Leader, he got on his bike then rode the 10 metres up to the STOP line directly in front of him. He then completely ignored the RIGHT ONLY sign facing him and turned left through the NO ENTRY signs the wrong way up a one way street.

    He later admitted that to rectify his error, bearing in mind the road he was on went right through the middle of Newquay for some 1/2 mile, he subsequently turned into another one way street the wrong way and made his escape.

    When you do it Richard, you do it in style.

    Now some of you may think he could be forgiven for feeling poorly, but when tackled by Adam, his comment “I hoped nobody had seen that” instantly earned him this coveted award.

    ———————————————————-

    Issy Griffiths – Simon Rawlins Horsebox Overtake Award

    A beautiful overtake, beautifully executed on her Run Leader, who was sat by the road waiting for a Marker to come along. In her defense, she did wonder why Adam was sat marking, but immediately put this ridiculous thought out of her mind and concentrated on filtering for England on her 400 for the next so many miles until he, on his GSX 1000 finally caught her up and overtook her, having had to wait some time for someone else to arrive and mark. Even then she seemed blissfully unaware that she had essentially lost the rest of the run, which was due to turn in only 3 miles, and smilingly stuck her thumb up at Adam, as he rode past at a speed close to breaking the sound barrier.

    She received her award with great pride.

    ———————————————————-

    Kelly McGrath – Crap Marker Award

    Awarded for assuming that just because the 5th rider, (who is in front of the Back Marker), had (presumably) seen the 4 riders in front of him indicate and turn right, will also turn right.

    Because of this highly unlikely scenario, Kelly stopped marking and got on her bike. Unseen by her, since by this time she is highly involved in getting ready to move off, the 5th rider sailed straight on into oblivion (or the back end of Aberystwyth).

    To his immense credit, he found his run again, who were all sat eating ice-cream on the sea wall and blissfully unaware he was missing.

    So many congratulations Kelly for this outstanding display of assuming that if it can go right it will. You now know it never does

    ———————————————————-

    Ashley Burt – Retrospective Gnob Award

    Any of us can have an Off, and if we do, normally, sympathy is forthcoming, although usually followed by a life time of ribald comments. However, when the “Off” is entirely self inflicted and occurs on one of the most remote mountain tops in Wales, mid afternoon, that’s another matter.

    So when Mr. Burt gently drifted his bike into a brick wall, and having stepped off it unharmed decided that he and it were going no further, the consequences for some poor sods in the run were pretty dire. For a start, our Simon (Rawlins) was left marking outside a pub, miles from anywhere (though it did have a bus stop), while the England v Wales rugby match was on. It wasn’t good, England won. In addition, he and other markers only had petrol for 20 – 30 miles and the only garage within reach was closing at 6:00pm. Darkness was closing in and the temperature was dropping rapidly.

    Eventually, the markers were rescued and the run continued back home to Aberystwyth, but only after having sent the poor run leader Ian, and big Dave from Aylesbury back to Ashley to await recovery from the RAC. The three of them then had to endure many “Deliverance” moments up on the mountain, as hairy locals in dubious 4×4′s who were out sheep hunting thought the boys might be good sport. Luckily, Dave can be pretty hairy and scary himself so their honour was preserved. They eventually made it back to the safety of civilisation at 12:30 in the morning.

    Next morning, the bike and Ashley went home via 4 RAC wheels. Having had a rest in the garage, the bike started fine. Yes, that’s right, there was nothing wrong with it.

    So in the face of such outstanding Gnobbish behaviour, Ashley decided not to come to 7W’s for 2 whole years, in the vain hope that we would forget.

    Of course we didn’t and he received his SECOND 7W’s award with much protestation and mock surprise.

    We’re all looking forward to Spring when Ash makes it 3 out of 4.

    ———————————————————-

    Dave Pugh – Run Leader Avoidance Award

    Some people will go to any lengths to avoid leading a run. And let’s face it, leading a run for 7W’s can be a scary thing to do. Not only are you in a foreign country littered with wild animals and fierce Celts, but you’ve got to find some really nice roads, know where you’re going, put down markers in places where their feet will reach the ground, and be organised enough to have things called petrol/coffee/comfort/lunch/tea/cake stops in sufficient numbers to keep everyone happy.

    Of course, in the enormously euphoric atmosphere of a Friday or Saturday evening in the bar at Llanwrtyd Wells, it is very easy to happily (drunkenly) offer to do a run for Louise, knowing you’ve got a whole 6 months to prepare. But we all know that time can be a cruel mistress, and what do you do when you’ve only got 2 months left and haven’t even started yet? Well most people would have just quietly sent Lou an e-mail, or said their cat was sick but no, Dave, never doing anything by halves, thought he’d do a right proper job and leave nothing to chance and her powers of persuasion.

    His choice of weapon was a sort of Hare Kari manoeuvre, which involved not only throwing his R1 at a Chevron sign, thus consigning it to the great bike park in the sky, but to make absolutely sure, throwing himself and his shoulder in particular after it. And just in case by some miracle Nicola managed to pass not only her DSS test but her IAM test too in the time left, thus making her eligible, he chucked her off the back into the bargain.

    Way to go Dave. Not many are as dedicated as you, and you are indeed an extremely worthy winner of this one-off and very special 7Ws Wooden Spoon award.

    ———————————————————-

    Steve Watson – Diamond Geezer / Geezeress Award (Nominated by Lou)

    In Autumn 2006, I organised my last 7Ws. I had had enough. The trip was becoming too big and too difficult to manage and I’d spent the whole 3 days worrying, since we’d had a couple of “offs” and some pretty hooligan riding in the groups.

    Hearing this, Steve asked me to give it one more go and offered to help me with the organisation. I was extremely reluctant but in the end agreed. Since then, Steve has done all the real “grunt” work, organising the bookings; the room allocations; the meals; the money, and keeping me sane. He even cooks the 7W’s Team lunch when we have our planning meetings and this time, drove over to Llanwrytd Wells with 5 huge cakes to celebrate 7Ws 21st.

    He is a real unsung hero and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. And from the sound of the enormous cheer that went up when his name was announced, I can only say everyone agreed with me.

    So thank-you so much Steve. Without you, 7Ws may have survived but certainly wouldn’t be what it is today.

    Lou

    Victoria Wells

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    Stalag at Night and Lou’s very tired bike

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    Daily Runs

    Lou’s Lunch Stop

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    Chris – (T) Observer Smile “I’m not stressed”

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    Ian’s Run – Barmouth

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    Ian’s Run – Barmouth

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    “So where is everyone?”

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    Jackie at Lake Vyrnwy

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    Di’s Run Homeward Bound

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    The Wooden Spoon Awards

    Lou’s Speech

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    Simon Co-Hosting the Awards

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    Simon and Kelly

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    Kelly

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    Connell

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    Dave

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    Issy Overtake Award

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    Ash and the Retro GNOB Award

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    Richard – GNOB Award

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    7Ws #17 – Golden Balls

    Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

    To get a little flavour of what this trip is about, what follows is the story of the September 2008 trip from three different perspectives. Mine (Louise D), an Observer and organiser of the runs, Lou, an experienced Associate; and Ashley, a let’s just say “newer” Associate.

    LouD’s Story

    Fox’s Diner on a beautiful sunny day in late September. 30+ bikes. Lots of excited faces and quite a few nervous ones. This was the normal start to another 7Ws trip.

    Steve and I got organised and I prepared for the run briefing chat. As any of you who know me appreciate, I am somewhat vertically challenged so have to stand on a table to address the group about how the runs are going to work and what the ground rules are. From my highly elevated position, I noticed this lad I’d never seen before, who put his hand up when I asked if there was anyone who didn’t understand the marker system. This was Ashley, and after Steve took him to one side and explained how it worked, he dutifully set off on Daf’s run of 200+ miles over to Aberystwyth.

    My own run set off and we had a lovely day, arriving in Aber at around 6:00pm. As I was walking into the hotel, I looked up the road and there was Ash walking (staggering) towards me. “How was the run?” I asked, fully expecting the usual glowing report. “My balls are in absolute agony” came the reply. “I can hardly F*@*””g walk”. All this was accompanied with the same grin I had noticed that morning (though somewhat strained), but it was true, Ashley was doing a superb impression of walking like John Wayne. I was really puzzled, and asked him what had gone wrong. Well it turns out that Ashley (pin your lugs back), had only passed his test a month before, had had his GSX600 for 2 WEEKS; had joined TVAM the previous Sunday and had been persuaded by Daf to go on the 7Ws trip only 5 days later. The longest trip Ash had ever undertaken was the 60 mile trip up the A34 from Basingstoke to Fox’s to make sure he knew where everyone was meeting. He was fully expecting to go up to Wales using as many Motorways as possible; have a pootle about on Saturday and to come home on the nice big 3 laners again on the way home.

    Talk about baptism by fire! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “So what has sort of mashed the manhood then?” I rather naively asked. Well Ash couldn’t get the bike around bends without braking (rather violently it turns out). Every time he tried, the bike wouldn’t do as he willed it to so he would end up breaking and slamming his delicate bits against the rather unforgiving GSX’s petrol tank. You can imagine what a state he was in by the time he got to Aber – especially since Daf had taken the run via the Old Ross Road; 21 miles of beautiful twisties.

    I told him to get himself in and settled and I’d talk to him later.

    The next day, having organized Ash to hook up with Craggy (ROSPA Gold rider and a bit of a happy nutter), and Lou who was feeling a bit frustrated with the bends with Jamie, we all set off on our respective runs in blazing sunshine. I joined Ian’s run (hubby), as did Ash and Craggy; Lou and Jamie. We headed up towards Snowdonia and stopped for lunch at the Ponderosa Café at the top of the Horseshoe Pass. I had a chat with Craggy and Jamie to see how Ash and Lou were getting on. Turns out that Ash was ready to head back to the hotel. He just couldn’t get the bike to go where he wanted it to and was getting seriously exhausted. Jamie and I had a quick chat and decided to let the run go. We would take Ash and Lou back to Aber and use the trip back to see what we could do to help. The run went off and Jamie and I worked out a nice route back which avoided all the busy “A” roads. Since Jamie had the SatNav, he was to go up front followed by Lou, Ash then me.

    We decided to have another cuppa before we set off to allow everyone to chill out and recover from the morning. Jamie and I also wanted to have a chat with Ash and Lou about their riding. Ash was talking to me about the problems he was having and described exactly what I saw happen with another rider who insisted on riding everywhere in 6th (saves petrol and the bike is perfectly capable of going around a corner by itself), ie. that the bike insists on drifting out to the other side of the road. Bingo! Ashley thought he had to get the bike up to 6th as soon as possible and stay there.

    Since we were riding under very controlled conditions and speed (Jamie and I agreed 50 max), I asked Ashley not to take the bike above 3rd, and in fact to see how it felt in 2nd. We set off and after Jamie went wrong within 50 yards and took us down a sheer mountainside covered in gravel and weeds and heart-stopping drops, we found ourselves on the open road. Within 5 miles, Ash got cramp and he and I had to stop. I don’t know whether he wanted to laugh or cry through the pain since it only took that short distance for him to fall in love with riding and “get it”. We had a fabulous run back and he even did his first decent overtake, though I have to say it earned him the “Simon Rawlins Horse Box of the Year Overtake Award” wooden spoon for the crappiest/cheekiest/least IAM O/Take of the 3 days. What did he do? Overtook on a double white line going up a hill with me right behind him. What did he say when he received his award? “I don’t care, it was bloody worth it” And do you know what? It was.

    Oh, and that wasn’t the only thing he was awarded on the trip. We clubbed together and bought him a box of ice cube bags. We’re all heart.

    So to end my tale, I ended up with Ash as my new Associate. He and I, together with Lou, Steve, Ian and Ian W(allace), left the main run and made our own way back to Oxfordshire. Simon R, bless him, waited for us at Burford Little Chef, and we made it just before dark at 5:30pm, Ash and Lou having ridden beautifully.

    No, it wasn’t what I expected but did I enjoy it? Of course I did. Am I looking forward to the 20th March? I can’t wait. Is Ash going? You bet he is!

    See you on the 20th Guys and Girls and if I’ve missed the March deadline, hope you all enjoyed it!

    Ashley’s Story

    Day 1 Lessons learned.

    GEARS

    Riding around in the countryside is not supposed to be enjoyed in 6th gear at 35mph, but does give great fuel consumption.

    VANISHING POINT

    This is not the bush, tree, car or shrubbery on the other side of the bend that you think you’re going to plough into and can’t seem to stop looking at.

    CORNERING

    90 degree bends should not be attempted in 5th or 6th gear as this tends to leave the rider in a constant state of panic, watching one’s life flash before his or her eyes. Luckily I’m only 29 and lazy so it did not take all that long. I spent the entire trip to Wales contemplating what I had got myself into especially on one section that contained linked bends for 20 something miles…….. W*NKER! I mean who in god’s name made a road like that? Sure as hell not the Romans. Me …. I like the Romans they made straight roads, no bends and you can do 35 and even 40mph with out having to worry about on-coming sheep, bikes, cars or 3 legged dogs.

    TANK SLAPPING

    Now I hope your reading carefully as this is the most important lesson of all. Tank slapping is not supposed to be breaking harshly on the approach to a or in my case many 45+ degree bend and burying your manhood into the huge seemingly immovable metal object just in front of the seat. IT HURTS!…… LOTS. Although, again there is one plus side….. you get to do a great John Wayne impression without saying a word.

    Day 2 Lessons learned Cont.

    Having a full English breakfast is not a great way to start a bike ride. Getting the Simon Rawlins horse box award (wooden spoon) for worst overtake at the end of that evening is also not a good thing but telling your Observer it was worth it does not help matters.

    I spend the afternoon being restricted to only 3 gears; none of those were 5th or 6th. However it did seem to change my riding. No longer did I look like the un-dead when I got off my bike, corners started to be fun and not life threatening. Counter steering started to feel more natural and fluid and for once, when I opened up the throttle the bike actually reacted. By the time I got off my bike I had a grin on my face from ear to ear – it felt like a completely different bike and I had barely touched 60 on the entire ride back. And there was no longer a chicken strip along my tyres.

    Day 3 ………

    Today I was given a new gear, yeah 4th not that I saw much of it. Most of my time was spent ringing the neck out of second and on a progressive run getting to grips with third and all the fun that it brought. Lag was not a new thing to me be but seemed to be a pain in the arse in third, solved by changing up to third at 12 thousand RPM as apposed to 9/10. After a near miss with an oncoming bike the overtaking procedure seemed like a good idea to follow too. With that I was over taking one, two cars, trucks, sheep and caravans it was great. Later that day I was told that my overtakes were a bit slow and to open it up next time. Okay I’m game. As the next car came into view I started to prepare. Right hand side check, one second rule – good, second gear check, high revs – yeah. The chance came, I for it… I moved across to the other side of the road, decided on my point of entry after the over take and gunned it. This resulted in two things 1. I nearly dislocated my wrist and 2. I had left the car for dust in record breaking time. It was fantastic, after that point I was willing cars to come into view just so that I could try again. By the end of day three I was pleased with everything I had learned and more than aware of how much was still ahead. We arrived at Burford around 5:30pm to a welcoming group and enjoyed a much needed cup of tea or in my case coffee. After that it time I said my good bye’s and was helped to a familiar place. But it was night, it was dark and it was cold. All weekend I had been told – don’t get relaxed when you’re close to home as that’s when accidents happen…lol relax! My heart felt like it was beating for England. For the next 50 odd miles all I could see in my mirrors were lights and all I could see in front of me was pitch back. I could not remember for the life of me where the main beam button was. After an hour and a half or so I got home and was welcomed back by my loving wife who presented me with a roast dinner, a beer, chocolate and a comfy sofa and a video of the F1. With that my trip was over. It had been a fantastic weekend and I met lots of great people …… so to everyone on the trip

    THANK YOU.

    Lou’s Story

    My 7Ws Experience

    What can I say, my first dodgy email from Steve saying I would likely be sharing my room with a sheep told me there was going to be trouble, just didn’t realise I would be the one causing it!

    Sequence of events, Suzi taking me over to Fox’s Diner, 20 mins late (‘Suzi’s Time’ she says, although after the weekend we all know why she was late!) threw me into a panic, thought she’d forgotten me so phoned Steve, this was useful as he had his phone turned off (the organiser of the trip as well!). Eventually she rolled up with support driver in tow and reason for lateness (Dave, bless him he took my luggage as well,) and we shot of to the diner, got there for 9.30am, supposedly departure time, but Suzi being on the trip before knew they didn’t always run to time! (LouD’s time)

    We split into 3 groups, two groups set off then ours, which was LouD’s. All excited I got on the Ducati and started it, nothing, 2nd panic, I thought ‘I don’t want to go home I want to go to Wales.’ To the rescue came Ian and Simon solved the problem and within minutes the bike fired up, a big sigh of relief and we were off.

    Great weather, (thanks for organising that specially, Steve) great company and a great lunch at the Royal Oak Inn in Ledbury. The poor bar man, thought we were all a nightmare, had to serve all 15 of us separately for lunch, then we played games with the money throwing it down cracks in the floor board, getting that taken off the bill then fishing it out and keeping it. Louise D you were a naughty girl….. ). After lunch I even had time to go blackberry picking in the next door field so everyone got at least one of their 5 a day for pudding.

    There on after it all becomes a blur. All I remember is riding, riding and more riding, it was all the bendz that sent me off the rails. Boy I was glad to get to the Marina hotel in Aberwystwyth. Suzi being the back marker, only because she fancied chasing after someone who may take the wrong turning, had me in view for practically all the way down, guess I was lucky and ended up not marking. I got off my bike vision blurred and very quiet, thinking “when will I be able to go around these bends”. An honest chat to Louise and a few drinks later, I had been allocated Jamie as my observer for Saturday. A good meal, a few more drinks and a good night’s sleep would do the trick.

    Saturday dawned, and after breakfast we all met on the promenade to choose our runs. Ashley and I were given preferential treatment, me because of my bendy work and Ashley because he had only ridden a motorbike for about 3 days before he came on the trip! (By jove after the next 2 days he was proving to be a natural and up to an A standard) The ride took us up to the Ponderosa Café along the Horseshoe Pass, not before, I might add, a few dodgy hairpin bends. They are always a challenge, as was avoiding all the roaming sheep on the roads, seeming oblivious to all us bikers and car drivers!. A sandwich for lunch then a debriefing from Louise and Jamie, a special shorter easier route mapped out and we were on our way. Only to find 50 yards into the journey Jamie decided to take us off-roading (blaming his SatNav for bad directions, he did). It was like a rally course, especially when a Merc in front decided to zoom into the distance leaving us all in a cloud of dust. The road was about a foot wide and covered in gravel with bends and drops so severe I couldn’t get my bike to go slow enough around and down them! It made me wonder what was to come next on this preferred route. Needless to say it only got better from there on in. We got back to the hotel for about 6ish where I was pleasantly happier than yesterday, to hang my boots and helmet up for the night. Got in my power shower and relaxed going over the events of the day. All refreshed and glowing from the sun and wind I joined the motley crew for drinks and dinner.

    Dinner turned out to be a giggle, firstly Ashley requested some jokes from the 118 guys, on my phone. Robin seemed not too impressed with their childish nature, requested some adult jokes! After a longer pause we received a text in short, saying, ‘some requests were just too naughty for the 118 team to respond to, so they chose not to answer!’ So Robin next time you will have to get Simon to tell you some of his naughty jokes!! A strange award ceremony followed, giving out wooden spoons would you believe, to ‘the knob of the day’, I won’t mention any names (probably because I can’t remember any!) otherwise I would. Then a queue for the dessert table, the staff were so obliging, I had three deserts to taste. Followed by a discreet departure to bed again. All this riding and fresh air takes it toll………not to mention a full tummy.

    Last day, weather holding out and full tummy, some had full pockets of sausage sandwiches too, we again all attended the promenade briefing, bikes laden with luggage, apart from Suzi and I as Suzi’s support driver Dave (everyone should have one) was on hand to take our luggage.

    Basically Louise was going to be back marker with myself and Ashley in tow, leaving all the hooligans and boys and girls to play ahead. We made our own sweet way back to England and then Burford. Ashley sandwiched between the Dickinson’s (don’t ask) and me sandwiched between Ian and Steve (ooh err, don’t ask).

    The end result (apart from the ride home on unlit country roads in the dark) was what a fantastic first trip to Wales I had, first day trauma gone and replaced by more confidence, riding bends, couldn’t really not as there were no straight roads in Wales! This trip is a must for everyone, it is so well organised, fantastic value for money and you meet a wonderful crowd of like minded people, in my case a few likeminded nutters! I feel part of the TVAM family now as everyone is so welcoming. A special thanks to Louise and Ian, Jamie and Steve for their help and guidance.

    p.s. For all you interested (not) cat lovers I have met, my moggie likes her welsh blanket!!!

    ——————–

    And for those of you who really wanted to know, the wooden spoon awards are as follows:

    The Simon Rawlins Horse Box Overtake Award

    First awarded to Simon himself for doing such a tight overtake, it woke both the horse and driver up, causing them both to jump rather violently to the left, resulting in both box and 4X4 leaving some rather deep furrows in the grass verge.

    On a later trip, this award has gone to no less than our Steve, who tried to overtake a very big wagon on the approach to a blind left hand bend while mentally willing the oncoming mountain to move out of his way. Who said blokes can’t multi-task?

    The Gnob Of the Day award

    For the most outstanding instance of “Gnobbish” behaviour observed during the weekend.

    Consists of a main wooden spoon and two mini runner up awards, one of which was awarded to me for overtaking the run leader and taking two Associates with me 15 miles past the lunch stop.

    Crap Marker Award

    A new award for September 2008, and issued with great pride to our Jamie, Senior Observer and 7W’s virgin who overtook (me) the run leader while at the same time mentally criticising them (me) for poor marking

    Louise Dickinson